Notice
Dear Councillor
Former Community Councillor, John Collett
Many of you will be aware, that, sadly, John Collett, died on Saturday 28th March. His funeral will be at 11.30 am on Monday 13th April at the Crematorium in Coity. Afterwards, Councillors who are able to attend are invited to join May and her family at the Dance Studio in Bryntirion (next to the former Labour Club and the Filco Store), to remember John, with them.
John was born in London in 1928 in Ealing, where he and his family lived through tough times and hardship in the 1920’s & 30’s. After the War – through a family connection – he became acquainted with the South Wales and particularly Maesteg ! There he met, and fell in love with May. They married in 1971 and set up home in Tondu, opposite the old Tondu School.
On leaving school, John worked in a factory and then for the Post Office, where he learned to drive, a good move as it prepared him for a later career, when after a spell as a tool setter for Kodak, he became an HGV Driver and worked for Christie Removals for a number of years, that was some driving ! His last job before retirement and I suspect his most rewarding, was as Caretaker for Bettws School, where he gave his all, in supporting the School, its Pupils and Staff and as a shop steward for NUPE (now Unison) looked after the interests and welfare of its members at the School. He was always very Community orientated and was for a number of years a member of his local community council – Newcastle Higher – becoming its chair in the 1990’s.
May and John eventually decided that a bungalow was for them and moved to Highland Close Sarn and became stalwarts of another Community! It was then I first met John. It was not long before John’s qualities were recognised and he was persuaded to stand for the St Brides Minor Community Council and on the 13th May 2002, he attended his first Council meeting. (In 2004, May was also elected to the Councillor and, of course, still remains a member). In May 2005 John was elected as Chair and was a splendid ambassador throughout the County Borough at civic and other important events in that year. In 2010 after ten years service, ill health led John to decide that he should step down from the Council, which he had served with distinction.
John’s achievements were recognised by the Labour Party when he was awarded its prestigious merits award and by the Mayor of the Bridgend County Borough with a Citizenship Award. (together with May)
John, although a Labour person, through and through, was well respected by those of other political persuasions because he did not allow different political views cut across his ability to engage with and making long friendships with those he liked, whether or not, they may have voted differently to him!
John and I got on very well. He was always very considerate, thoughtful and supportive. He will be sadly missed by us all and I will especially missed my chats with him when I used to called in, just as he missed his chats with his great friend former Councillor Lionel King. John although no longer with us will remain in our hearts and memories for his humanity, modesty and his great respect for others. As a chair, for his low key but effective control with courtesy to all, ensuring that everyone had a voice. Although quiet, he stood up as a powerful advocate for the values and ideas in which he believed.
Brian G Rees Clerk
03.04.15