The Council is indebted to Peter Kent (Former Leader at Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council) for providing a tribute to Alderman Roberts. Council wishes to echo the tribute and sends its condolences to Mick’s family and friends.
Literally hundreds of Crewe people will be sorry to hear that Honorary Alderman Mick Roberts, BEM, passed away on 28th December aged 74.
Mick was a proud railwayman, a member of the ASLEF trade union, and a stalwart of the local Labour Party for many years. He first stood for election in 1987, was successful the following year and served the Alexandra Ward continuously for 20 years until reorganisation in 2008. He was Mayor of Crewe and Nantwich Borough in 2002-03 and deputy Mayor the previous year. As council leader, I asked him to chair the Civic Affairs Committee, whose role was to make sure that civic events were conducted with the right degree of respect for tradition, but without being pompous or remote from real life. It was one of my best choices.
If the mark of a good councillor is someone who is involved with all aspects of the local community and not only politics, then Mick was the best. He worked tirelessly for the Seahorse Swimming Club, which supports local disabled swimmers. He made a major contribution to the Emmie Dixon centre for sufferers from cerebral palsy, Crewe Male Voice Choir and many other community groups. He was awarded the British Empire Medal for his services to local charities.
Stories and memories of Mick will abound in the days ahead. He held lots of important offices but above all he will be remembered by everyone who knew him as someone who was great fun to be with. Mick Roberts was utterly loyal, generous with his time, supportive to his friends and quite simply – a good man.
