Tributes to 'a wonderful public servant' after former Fylde mayor dies of Covid-19

John Tavernor held the rare distinction of having been mayor of both the former Lytham St Annes Council and Fylde, on which he served for 30 years from its inception until 2003.

He was leader of Fylde Council from 1982 to 1994 and after being Lytham St Annes mayor in 1967-68 - when still only in his 30s – he was Fylde’s first citizen in 1988-89 and deputy mayor in 1980-81 and 1990-91.

On retiring from the council after losing his Ansdell seat in 2003, he was appointed to the ranks of honorary alderman, a title recognising long-serving councillors who made an outstanding contribution to the borough and their community.

For many years, he was a familiar face in the family hardware shop on the corner of Clifton Street and Bannister Street in Lytham, a business started by his father in the 1940s and still going strong, now run by his son, also called John, and wife Jackie.

Alderman Tavernor, who also ran a boatyard business at Lytham for many years, was married for six decades to wife Mavis, who died two years ago.

The couple, whose other son Simon lives in Cheshire, had earlier moved together to a care home in St Annes.

Alderman Tavernor was a long-serving Rotarian who also played a key role in various local organisations, including the Lytham Heritage Group, alongside founder Alan Ashton, who died, aged 90, last year.

Daughter-in-law Jackie, who confirmed that Covid-19 had been given as the prime cause of death, said: “He always continued to a very keen interest in local matters, many years after he left the council and despite the onset of dementia.

“He loved this area and really cared for the people and customers have long continued to ask about him.”

Fylde Council’s current leader Coun Sue Fazackerley said: “Alderman Tavernor played a leading role on Lytham St Annes Council and Fylde Borough Council for a considerable time.

“With his late wife, Mavis, he thoroughly entered into the spirit of the mayoralty, attending countless functions and raising large sums for charity.

“He was a passionate councillor and a strong Leader of the Conservative group, well-liked and respected across the political spectrum.

“Latterly he developed dementia but, on visiting him, he could still recall the ‘good old days’ with fondness and the friendships of both councillors and officers of his time.”

Fylde MP Mark Menzies said: “Alderman Tavernor was a wonderful public servant. He served on Fylde Council and its predecessor, and knew everything there was to know about the area.

“He always had a warmth and smile for everyone he met. I always found him a pleasure to deal with, very professional, and always very welcoming.

“My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”

Alderman Howard Henshaw, as a Liberal Democrat, for many years a political opponent but a Rotary Club colleague, said: “John was a lovely chap.

“We got on from when we first met and once the meetings were over the political differences were forgotten.

“He always made a bee-line for me at Rotary events and I have many fond memories of him. He will be greatly missed.”

Because of the current lockdown restrictions, tomorrow’s funeral service and interment will be for immediate family only. It is also family flowers only but donations may be sent in his memory for St Cuthbert’s Church, Lytham c/o Horsfield and Family Funeral Directors, St Annes (tel: 01253 781011).

Jackie said that a celebration of Alderman Tavernor’s life is likely to be held at a later date.