‘John was willing and enthusiastic’

Tributes have been paid to an ‘enthusiastic, and hard-working’ Todwick Parish Councillor.

John Palmer passed away on 12th October aged 66. Born in Sleaford in 1946 John worked for BT for almost 30 years, first in Lincolnshire and then in Sheffield.

It was a promotion to a position in Sheffield in 1986 that brought John and his family to Todwick.

“Dad left BT in 1992 when his job moved to another town. He didn’t want to uproot the family,” said his son Richard.

That was when the opportunity arose for John and his wife Brenda to take over the Todwick newsagents and Post Office, which they ran until 2004.

“When mum and dad sold the business they had a month or so off. But they soon found they didn’t like having too much time on their hands because they like to keep busy.”

“That was when Tesco took over what was the Safeway in Dinnington, and they both got jobs there part time.”

When he did have some spare time John was keen rail enthusiast and enjoyed train spotting.

“He also liked to get involved in things that were going on locally, such as cooking classes,” added Richard.

“He was also a keen photographer and in recent years had developed an interest in family history.”

John became a Todwick Parish Councillor in June 2004, and was due to retire from the role later this month.

He was vice chairman from December 2005 to October 2009, and was part of the Building Works Committee that oversaw the £300,000 renovation and re-build of Todwick Village Hall in 2006 and 2007.

“John was an enthusiastic, willing and hard-working councillor on behalf Todwick village with special interests in local transport and Todwick Village Hall matters,” read a tribute on the council’s website.

“John’s commitment to Todwick Village is immeasurable and we shall all miss his input, wise counsel, companionship and humour.”

John’s funeral took place at Todwick Church on Monday. He leaves behind wife Brenda and children Richard and Caroline.