John Keats - Stoke Sutherland 41 Club
We are sad to announce, belatedly, the death of our friend and colleague John Keats in July 2020 aged 87. John had suffered health and mobility problems for a while but was never happier than when we could ring him and offer him a lift to 41 Club.
John joined Stoke Sutherland Round Table soon after its formation in 1965, and became Community Services Chairman in 1967. In those days charity collections were literally in pennies and John duly organised us to shake our buckets in Hanley Market Square on a busy Saturday close to Christmas. Despite technical problems with the music and power supply , the event was a great success raising £250 towards an Ambulift Unit for the geriatric ward at the local Haywood Hospital . This Christmas event was continued without a break for 10 years , being a reliable low risk method of raising a valuable contribution to Community Service Funds. The resulting pennies count, starting in John’s office , of course, became an essential part of the fellowship created in the Club.
In 1969 John became Chairman and although he retired from Table under the age rule in 1973 he was soon voted back into the Club to serve as our President for a 2-year term. During this period he joined Stoke South Rotary Club and his desire to support the local community became ever more fulfilled.
John was a Director in the very successful local family business of North Staffs Caravans and in his spare time was a keen sailor. He is missed so much from our Meetings, particularly for his dry but brilliant sense of humour , and our love and sympathy go to Jean and all their family at this sad time.
Richard Mayer Secretary Stoke Sutherland 41 Club.
