A FORMER and widely-respected mayor of Winchester has died aged 77.
George Fothergill, the mayor in 1998-99, had been suffering from cancer for some time.
He was the chairman of the city council amenities committee for many years and was instrumental in helping to bring cinema back to the city with The Screen on Southgate Street in the mid-90s.
Mr Fothergill, of Halls Farm Close, Harestock, served as a Liberal Democrat on the city council for around 20 years retiring in 2004.
He had been deputy principal at Peter Symonds College for 20 years, from 1973 to 1993.
His friend and former city council colleague Bert Spencer paid tribute: “George was one of life’s gentlemen. He is one of the most compassionate men I have ever met. Whenever we met he had been to a home or a hospital visiting someone he knew.”
A memorial service is due to be held at a date to be announced.
The Hampshire Chronicle intends to publish a full obituary soon.
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