Ex-mayor of Caldicot dies (From South Wales Argus)

Ex-mayor of Caldicot dies

12:10pm Friday 4th January 2013 in News

FORMER Caldicot Mayor and borough councillor John Watts died on December 21.

Mr Watts, of Manor Farmhouse, Portskewett, died following an illness at the Royal Gwent Hospital surrounded by close family.

He was born in Caldicot, and served as a Royal Signalman from 1948 for four years in Italy, dealing in communications and information gathering for the British Army.

He went on to work on the railway before working at Llanwern Steelworks, Newport.

The steel strike sparked his interest in local politics, following this he became a housing officer for Newport council.

His love for local ecology and wildlife led him to stand as a Caldicot councillor, fighting for such causes as the protection of the Nedern Brook, and he went on to serve as the town’s mayor.

He was also key figure in the twinning of Caldicot with Waghäusel, Germany.

He held office as a Labour councillor with Monmouthshire District Council, before it became a unitary authority in 1996.

He leaves behind his wife Pauline, children Armand and Abigail, and grandson Oscar.

His funeral will be held at St Mary’s Church, Caldicot, tomorrow at 10am.

Donations to City Wildlife Care, Gwent may be sent to Philip Blatchly & Son, London House, 14 Chepstow Road, Caldicot, Monmouthshire NP26 4HY. Tel: 01291 430468.