Final Farewell for the Late John Woodhatch, Former Mayor of Guildford

J.Monk & Sons were recently entrusted to look after the funeral arrangements for the Late John Woodhatch, a former Mayor of Guildford and now honorary alderman. The town centre was brought to a standstill as the funeral cortege was allowed along the pedestrianised section of the High Street in procession with the current Mayor of Guildford and mace carriers who joined from the Guild Hall.

John Woodhatch was well loved and respected in Guildford, he was first elected to Guildford Borough Council in May 1983 for the Westborough ward and served as a councillor until May 2003.

He served on a number of committees, including the arts and recreation committee (1983-2001) and the planning committee (1987-1995). He was Mayor of Guildford in 1996-97.

During his time as a councillor, Mr Woodhatch represented on a number of outside bodies, including his local community centre in Park Barn, school governor, and the Guildford Committee for Chest, Heart and Stroke Diseases (1996-2003).

He had a particular interest in sport and arts, and was the council’s representative for the Wey Valley Bowls Association for much of his time as a councillor.

On October 1 2003, the council conferred the title of Honorary Alderman on Mr Woodhatch in recognition of his eminent service rendered to the council.

Barry Underwood of Guildford City Football Club, said: “Everybody at Guildford City Football Club was very sad to learn that our club founder and patron John Woodhatch passed away yesterday.”

John re-established the club in 1996 by negotiating for Burpham FC to move to the Spectrum and play as the ‘town’s club’.

The funeral service was held in Holy Trinity Church and was a Civic Ceremony, wonderful memories were shared and poignant music from Matt Monroe and Frank Sinatra added depth to a touching service.

A private burial followed the service.