TRIBUTES have been paid to a Wokingham stalwart after they passed away on Wednesday.
Cllr Bob Wyatt, who was the longest-serving member of Wokingham Town Council, a borough councillor and a former mayor, was 87.
Now, a book of condolence is to be opened to allow the borough to pay their tributes.
In 2016, such was the esteem in which Mr Wyatt was held, he was appointed as Wokingham Borough’s first Honorary Alderman in recognition of his near 50 years of public service.
At the ceremony, held during a council meeting and to his surprise, members from across the political divide joined together to recognise and praise the service he had given but most significantly commented on how he approached his role – always calm, fair and reasonable, a true gentleman.
As a councillor, Mr Wyatt was the longest serving member at Wokingham Town Council which he joined at the end of 1969, first as a Norreys Ward member where he served until 1971. Following a break he was re-elected to the Council for Wescott Ward in 1983 which he represented until his death this week.
Throughout this time he was a fully active member of the Council serving on committees and in particular acted as Chairman and Vice-Chairman of both the Finance and Civic Committees.
In addition Cllr Wyatt served as Town Mayor in 1992-1993.
And Cllr Wyatt also served as an elected member at Wokingham Borough Council (formally district) from 1993 to 2016, again in Wescott Ward.
He was Deputy Mayor in both 2010 and 2011 becoming Mayor in 2012.
When the Borough Council was a District Council, he served as its Vice Chairman in 2002, taking over as Chairman in 2003. Throughout his time he was involved in key activities which included the transfer of Social Services from Berkshire County Council to Wokingham Unitary Authority in 1998.
During his many years at Wokingham Borough Council he made a wide contribution which included acting as the Champion for older people and, during his Mayoral Year working with Caritas, he helped to fund and create Seaford Court for young homeless people.
Outside his Civic life Bob served for many years as a governor at Wescott Infant school, where his children and grandchildren attended. He was a trustee of Wokingham United Charities, The Link visiting scheme and Caritas.
A spokesperson for Wokingham Town Council said: “Universally he will be remembered for his kindness and selfless dedication, so generously offering his help, expertise and wisdom; always with a focus on supporting those more vulnerable or in greater need.
“Bob is irreplaceable, a public servant to his core who passionately loved Wokingham and, through the many aspects of his life, touched the lives of numerous individuals and made a contribution to improving lives.
“He will never be forgotten and may he rest in peace.”
Fellow Wescott town councillor – and current Wokingham Town mayor – Cllr Julian McGhee-Sumner – said: “Bob served our town of Wokingham throughout his life, a truly humble and generous man who wanted nothing more than to do the very best for all our residents. His breadth of involvement in our community was staggering, it spanned all age groups showing no boundaries as he worked tirelessly to include everyone. I liked to call him ‘Mr Wokingham’.
“Privately he was an intellectual with a passion for military and local history on which he had written many books.
“What might be a surprise is that he loved the Austin 7 car, maintaining links with other enthusiasts and acting as President of their association; this diversity of interests is what made him such good company.
“Bob was a mentor to me as I grew in my role as both a Town and Borough Councillor, always offering wise counsel and practical support.
“He became a close friend, I will miss him dearly and offer his family both my personal condolences and that of both Councils.”
Where to sign the Condolence book
A Book of Condolence will be available in two locations for people wishing to sign and offer messages to the family:
Wokingham Town Hall – a book will be located in the Information Centre from Monday, April 1 to Friday, April 12 (excluding Sundays) between 10am and 2pm
Wokingham Borough Council Offices – a book will be located in the Mall area from Monday, April 1 to Friday, April 12 (excluding weekends) between 8.30am and 5pm.
Cllr Wyatt’s funeral
The funeral will take place on Monday, April 15, at 11.30am at All Saints Church.
The hearse will proceed from the family home in Sturges Road, through the town centre where it will stop at Wokingham Town Hall to be joined by Councillors and dignitaries before resuming down Rose Street to the church.
The Town Clerk Jan Nowecki will hold details and is contactable on 0118 978 3185 townclerk@wokingham-tc.gov.uk
