Tributes have been paid to a former mayor of Congleton who was described as the “backbone” of Smallwood village.
Ray Lowe, who remained a member of Smallwood Parish Council until 2021, died peacefully on 16th April at the age of 87.
Smallwood Parish Coun Mike Bracegirdle, remembered the former Coun Lowe as a “well-liked gentleman” and key member of the community.
He said: “He was the backbone of Smallwood – the village and the church. He helped to raise money to build the village hall and worked as the church warden (at St John the Baptist Church) before me, for a number of years.
“He did everything he could for the village, along with his wife, Ann, who was a dinner lady at the school and used to put on luncheons at the village hall.
“I know he will be sorely missed by the whole community.”
Mr Lowe had a long career in local government, having served on Smallwood Parish council since 1969.
He joined Congleton Borough Council in the 1990s, where he represented Astbury Ward until the organisation was replaced by Cheshire East Council in 2009.
He was appointed borough mayor in 2000 after being proposed by the previous mayor, Coun Ken Hemsley.
Speaking at the mayor making ceremony at Congleton Town Hall packed with fellow councillors, officers and guests, Coun Hemsley said: “I have known Coun Lowe for many years.
“Indeed, I have known him since we attended the same school in Biddulph for some time before he left me behind and went to Wolstanton Grammar School. I got to know him quite well and could see his future was promised.”
Coun Hemsley said that promise had been fulfilled in three activities. The first, he said, was as a draughtsman, after training at North Staffordshire Polytechnic, then as a design engineer at Boalloy.
The second was as a cricketer. Coun Hemsley said Coun Lowe’s prowess at the sport was displayed as player in the North Staffordshire League and with Foden’s team.
The final area was in local Government. He said: “Coun Lowe has been on Smallwood Parish Council since 1969 and last year completed 10 years as chairman, besides his work on Congleton Borough Council as deputy chairman of the Planning Committee. He has a knowledge of local Government that is second to none.” A funeral service is due to be held for Mr Lowe at Brookhouse Green Methodist Church on Tuesday 5th May at 11.30am, followed by interment at Davenport Chapel.
The family requested that any donations if desired, were to be sent to Brookhouse Green Methodist Church.
