Letter: John Woodhatch Was One of the Great Characters of Guildford

Published on: 5 Nov, 2016
Updated on: 5 Nov, 2016

Hon Alderman John Woodhatch in 2012

From Peter Jennings

John Woodhatch was one of the great characters of Guildford. I was privileged to be a Westborough councillor with him for eight years.

There was no doubt that, using an appropriate football analogy, he was the captain and central defender while I dashed around haphazardly on the left wing. In a lot of ways he was more a community representative than a politician – although he would not have recognised the difference.

That is not to diminish his Labour Party credentials – he was always on the side of those struggling in adversity and was proud to support what he called the ‘good working-class people’ that he served.

A kindly and humane man, he conducted himself in the council chamber with firm determination but no malice. To me he was always a solid and reliable friend who gave encouragement while gently deflating my more rash ideas.

But we should not forget his humour. His was not the sour outlook of a dour headmaster but a man with a jolly laugh and a twinkle in the eye.

I saw him shortly before he died. He was in his hospital bed, with a dignity and composure that reflected his attitude to life. I think he was satisfied that he had attained considerable achievements over the years. And so he should have been.

He was well-loved. Thanks, John. So nice to have known you.

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