Sad Loss To Guildford As Alderman John Woodhatch Passes Away

Published on: 3 Nov, 2016
Updated on: 3 Nov, 2016

Alderman John Woodhatch died at his home in Park Barn on Tuesday, November 1, following a period of illness.

Alderman John Woodhatch pictured in 2012 when he was madce an honorary patron of Guildford City FC.

Alderman John Woodhatch pictured in 2012 when he was madce an honorary patron of Guildford City Football Club.

Mr Woodhatch was first elected to Guildford Borough Council in May 1983 for the Westborough ward and served as a councillor until May 2003.

He served on a number of committees, including the arts and recreation committee (1983-2001) and the planning committee (1987-1995). He was Mayor of Guildford in 1996-97.

During his time as a councillor, Mr Woodhatch represented it on a number of outside bodies, including his local community centre in Park Barn, school governor, and the Guildford Committee for Chest, Heart and Stroke Diseases (1996-2003).

He had a particular interest in sport and arts, and was the council’s representative for the Wey Valley Bowls Association for much of his time as a councillor.

On October 1, 2003, the council conferred the title of Honorary Alderman on Mr Woodhatch in recognition of his eminent service rendered to the council as a councillor and as past mayor.

Mr Woodhatch grew up in Drummond Road in a tight-knit community where everyone knew and helped out everyone else.

Lifelong friend Shirley West, who also grew up in Drummond Road, recalls that she was told that he waited outside her family’s home for the news that she was born.

She said: “John was my late brother George’s best mate. They were inseparable and they went to learn to dance at Guildford’s Alby John School of Dancing, so they could then go out and pull girlfriends.

“John met Sylvia, who he later married and my brother, known to many as Nobby’, married Jean.

John Woodhatch (left) and George ‘Nobby’ Clarke. The ‘spivs of Guildford’.

“They would go to dances at the Drill Hall and were known as the ‘spivs of Guildford’ because of the teddyboy style of clothes they wore. They were both good singers and sang at local Royal British Legion clubs in the area.

“John was a great supporter of me in my charity work. He starting playing bowls at the Castle Green Bowling Club, later transferring to Woodbridge Hill Club, where he was its president for many years. He was such a nice, genuine man. I am so sad at his passing.”

Mr Woodhatch worked at BAC at Weybridge and was an active union member, which eventually led him into local politics and becoming a Labour Party councillor.

It is widely acknowledged that his term as mayor was so successful and he was such a ‘people’s person’.

Sadly, Mr Woodhatch’s wife Sylvia died at a fairly young age. He later found friendship with Ruby some 14 years ago. They met after Shirley West set up short-mat bowling at the Park Barn Centre, a venue which John officially opened when new.

Freeman of the borough of Guildford Bill Bellerby has paid tribute to his Labour Party colleague. Bill said: “I first met John in 1953. He was a very good friend of mine and did so much to help other people. One of his passions was to bring back semi-professional football to Guildford. He also did a great deal to build up support for the Labour Party in Guildford.”

John Woodhatch in his mayor year with his escort Sallie Thornberry.

John Woodhatch in his mayoral year with his escort Sallie Thornberry.

Alderman Bernard Parke knew Mr Woodhatch well and they were also good friends. He said: “I believe friendship is one thing and politics is another. This is I feel particularly true regarding my fellow alderman John Woodhatch.

“We were both elected to the council standing for opposing national parties. But despite this fact we both respected each other’s views. National party labels have no place in local government. They are too remote from local affairs.

“John was a true Guildfordian who fought hard for his belief in justice, and I know he will be remembered by us all for his service to our town.”

Barry Underwood of Guildford City Football Club, said: “Everybody at Guildford City Football Club was very sad to learn that our club founder and patron John Woodhatch passed away yesterday.

“John re-established the club in 1996 by negotiating for Burpham FC to move to the Spectrum and play as the ‘town’s club’.

“Until the spring of this year John and his partner Ruby were still regularly attending matches, and his cries of ‘Red Army’ and the sound of his rattle will be much missed by everybody.

“We were honoured to be joined at our match this evening (Wednesday, November 2) by a large number of John’s family, and a minute’s applause in memory of John was observed before the game by players, family and supporters alike. The players also wore black armbands in his memory.

“A full appreciation of John and his support for Guildford City will be published in our match day programme on Saturday.”

The book Guildford the War Years (1939-45) by Graham Collyer and David Rose (published by Breedon Books in 1999) contains a number of wartime memories of local people. Mr Woodhatch contributed some choice memories centered around his childhood during wartime. In fact, they are the closing comments in the book.

Among the memories he supplied were: “I have vivid memories of the doodlebug that came down in Recreation Road. Our family lived in Drummond Road. At night we slept in a cellar shorn up with a wooden pillar. I well remember the trepidation we experienced when the engine spluttered and stopped overhead. Fortunately for us the railway embankment saved us from the full blast.

“My other wartime memories include the sheer joy of running down the road to meet my father when he came home on leave, and how proud I felt when he let me carry some of his kit. He served as a sapper in the Royal Engineers on bomb disposal and mine lifting duties.

“I clearly remember the arrival of evacuees from London. We took one in, in spite of the fact that I was one of a family of four children.

“A typical Sunday for me as a boy was queueing up for sausages and meat outside Tamplin’s shop in upper Chertsey Street. This was followed by queueing for a truck-load of coke at the former gas works situated in Onslow Street.

“Endless queueing, gasmasks, ration books, air-raid shelters, the blackout and so on, these are some of my memories of war that have been indelibly imprinted on my mind.

“I am sure my experiences as a child will be almost identical to many Guildfordians of my generation. They were indeed, harrd, frightening, but happy times.”

Mr Woodhatch leaves a daughter and a son, grandchildren and his partner Ruby.

If you would like to write a tribute or say a few words about John Woodhatch, please leave a reply in the box below.

Responses to Sad Loss To Guildford As Alderman John Woodhatch Passes Away

Ian Davies Reply

November 3, 2016 at 1:37 am

What a wonderful, thoughtful man. What a loss to the Guildford community.

I’m sure that you’ll be playing a few ends of bowls with my parents, Frank and Milly, at your final resting place.

Respect from the Davies family and thank you John. Ian and Terri.
Brian Crane Reply

November 3, 2016 at 7:16 am

Thank you John for getting Guildford City FC back. Rest in peace.
Heather Tipton Reply

November 3, 2016 at 8:45 am

John was a great friend and colleague.

We served for 13 years together as members of the small but influential Labour group on Guildford Borough Council.

Like John, my interests centred on the arts and recreation and I remember our joy when our small group held the balance of power on the council and influenced the opening of both Spectrum and the Electric Theatre.

He was a true Guildfordian, a socialist and a very snappy dresser. Well done John, we shall miss you.
Chris Guest Reply

November 3, 2016 at 9:25 am

As a former City player and (briefly) club secretary, and also former club secretary of Guildford City Boys FC, I am very sad to hear of John’s passing.

A debt of gratitude is owed to him for his support of local football.

Both City and the youth club have been able to develop because of the efforts of people such as John.
Anne Rouse Reply

November 3, 2016 at 9:33 am

My thoughts are with John’s family at this time.

He will be sadly missed
Howard Davies Woodbridge Hill Club Reply

November 3, 2016 at 11:34 am

Very sad to hear the news of John’s passing.

A true gentleman to the end.

Thoughts to his family and partner Ruby.

Rest in peace John. Our loss is Heaven’s gain.
Mike Melbourne Reply

November 3, 2016 at 11:35 am

A sad loss although I didn’t know John personally.

His efforts to improve things in Guildford were much appreciated.

He was a good friend of my late father (Jim) during their working days at BAC Weybridge.
Laura Gunner Reply

November 3, 2016 at 11:47 am

Such sad news. Always such a lovely gentleman when our paths crossed at many of Shirley’s charity do’s. May you rest in peace. My thoughts are with your family at this sad time.
Laura Gunner and family.
Andrew Backhurst Reply

November 3, 2016 at 11:59 am

John’s shout of ‘Red Army’ and his football rattle will be missed by the Sweeney and everyone at Guildford City. A great man.
Cora Jackson Reply

November 3, 2016 at 12:00 pm

I had the pleasure of knowing John Woodhatch when I was a care officer at the Park Barn Day Centre as it was then.

A true gentleman. I am sure he will be missed by everyone who knew him.

My condolences to Ruby and his family. RIP John. xxx
Alana and Viv Coster Reply

November 3, 2016 at 12:18 pm

A caring man who will be respected and loved by people who got to meet him. RIP John .
Pam Jupp (nee Bennett) Reply

November 3, 2016 at 2:15 pm

So sad to hear of John’s passing. My parents and I were neighbours in Drummond Road when I was little and knew John and his brother well. Met him briefly when he was Mayor at the Civic Hall. RIP John
Angela Wickham Reply

November 3, 2016 at 4:52 pm

John will always be remembered for very thing that he did for the local community but I shall remember him for being a lovely and thoughtful neighbour. When my daughters were small he would lift them over our adjoining garden fence to enjoy the bonfire and fireworks in his garden.
Always a gentleman.
Sue Masterton Reply

November 3, 2016 at 5:22 pm

So sorry to read this sad news. John was a lovely man, a gentleman.

Condolences to his partner and his family. A great loss to the community of Guildford, which he served well.
Jean Pankhurst Reply

November 3, 2016 at 7:34 pm

So sad to hear of the passing of John Woodhatch. A perfect gentleman and a big supporter of the British Heart Foundation.

I value the chats we had when holding a collection tin in Guildford. Your work is done now John, rest in peace. My condolences to Ruby and John’s family.
Brian Holt Reply

November 3, 2016 at 10:25 pm

We are already missing John’s ‘Red Army’ shouts this season.

Everyone knew John and Ruby here at the City.

He worked so hard to get a ground again for return of a Guildford City Football Club.

A very popular gentlemen in Guildford who will be sadly missed.

I had the pleasure to meet his family on Wednesday night at the match, a remarkable family, like John.
Jean Clarke Reply

November 4, 2016 at 7:19 am

I was so sad to hear of John passing from Shirley who is my sister-in-law. I have so many memories of my best friend Sylvia, John myself and George. So many happy times that will stay with me for ever.

I send my love to his family and to Ruby.

And I hope John and George (Nobby) are together listening to Franks Sinatra’s My Way which they loved to sing.

From Jean Clarke and family
Hayling Island
- Mark Woodhatch Reply
  
  November 7, 2016 at 4:23 pm
  
  Thank you so much for your lovely words and memories.
  
  Frank Sinatra will definitely be featuring at Dad’s send off, we are hoping to see you there. X
Kevin Parker Reply

November 4, 2016 at 8:37 am

A very special man who contributed so much to this Town he will be sadly missed.
I doubt we would have any senior football in this town if it were not for John. No doubt the club will arrange a fitting memorial for him in due course.

RIP John

“Red Army”
Chris Fox Reply

November 4, 2016 at 9:05 am

A straight forward man who could be relied upon.
Though we were his political opponents he was a respected friend and colleague over many years on the Borough Council. He lives on in our thoughts and affection.

Chris and Sue Fox
Former GBC Councillors
Keith Childs Reply

November 4, 2016 at 12:06 pm

John’s death is a sad loss to the town. He was a true Guildfordian. Ruby and his family can be really proud of the part he played in local affairs.

He was an uncomplicated man with no pretensions. He said what he meant and meant what he said. He was straightforward, honest and sincere. He will be remembered with great affection by many.

Keith Childs is a former councillor and Hon Alderman
Simon Nelson Reply

November 4, 2016 at 2:40 pm

I first met John in 2010 in his role as Hon Alderman. I am one of the mace bearers at Guildford Borough Council, and I assist with robing the aldermen prior to processions up the High Street on occasions such as Remembrance Sunday.

He was such a gentleman and so friendly. I am sorry I did not get to know him better, he made such a good impression on me. He will be greatly missed at the parade on 13th November.

Rest in peace John.
Stuart Barnes Reply

November 4, 2016 at 3:25 pm

I am very sorry to hear of the death of John Woodhatch. I knew him through jazz, cricket and bowls. I ran jazz sessions at our bowling club for 11 years and John and Ruby were very regular attendees. I knew him also in his other capacity at Woodbridge Bowling Club and as chairman of the very successful “Tuesday Triples” competition.

Our politics were not the same but that did not matter in the least. We could always have a beer and a laugh together, especially after a hard game of bowls.

He was a lovely man and will be much missed. They don’t make them like him any more.

Our condolences go to Ruby and all the family. RIP John.
Simon Dickinson Reply

November 4, 2016 at 4:42 pm

John was a true gentleman and will be sadly missed.

God bless him and those he has left behind.
Derek Tucker Reply

November 4, 2016 at 8:05 pm

A great man who loved his local football. Thank you so much John for keeping our wonderful Guildford city going. You will be sadly missed by the rest of us Sweeney.
Jules Cranwell Reply

November 6, 2016 at 12:52 pm

I didn’t know John Woodhatch, but from all these tributes, it is clear he was a fine man and councillor, who dedicated his life selflessly to the people of Guildford, and gave them a voice.

I wonder if our current crop of councillors will be remembered as fondly?
Graham Collyer Reply

November 6, 2016 at 9:36 pm

So sad to learn of John’s passing.

As the editor of the Surrey Advertiser from 1986-2001, I remember him so well as an uncomplicated borough councillor and a true friend of Guildford.

A man who could always be relied upon to say what he he thought, and mean it.

He cared so much for Guildford and its people.

As my friend and former colleague David Rose has recalled, John gave us tremendous help with our book Guildford in the War Years (1939-45). Thank you, John.
Mark and Debbie Woodhatch Reply

November 8, 2016 at 1:39 pm

Thank you to everyone who contributed to such a lovely article about Dad’s life and for sharing special memories of him.

I think it is fair to say his was a life well lived in every sense.
Dave Goodwin Reply

November 12, 2016 at 5:50 pm

So sad. A great loss to Guildford. He was a fine man and did us proud. I worked with John for quite a few years at BAC. Nothing was to much trouble for him. If he did not know something he would find out asap. We enjoyed a few beers together, over the years.

My condolences to his family at this sad time.

God bless you John.
Jackie May Reply

November 21, 2016 at 9:24 pm

RIP John. A true Guildfordian with a constant smile and quip for every occasion. The Chelsea shirt is in pride of place in Douglas’ study as a memory to you both. God bless.
Eduard Morris Eady Reply

January 14, 2023 at 1:29 pm

Have just heard of the passing of John Woodhatch. An absolute gentleman.
He is remembered for his service to the Guildford community and his devotion to lawn bowls.
I also remember him as a resolute batsman in local Guildford cricket circles and in oarticular for Guildford outlaws C.C.
Eduard M.orris Eady, formerly of Guildford, now of Paignton, Devon.