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June 2013 No.392
Mike Readman 12th May 1947—29th April 2013 It was with great sadness that the members of the Parish Council learned of Mike’s death recently. Mike and Ann moved to the village in the late 1990s when he took early retirement and once they had settled into The Priory Mike became a ‘Stradbroke boy’; the casual observer would not know he was not a prodigal returned. He threw himself into village life and projects with the greatest gusto. Mike took to bowls and was a leading light in ensuring the White Hart bowling green was kept for the village. He also started the youth football, with Don Darling, and this illustrated both his love of the game and his encouragement to young people to take their sport to a higher level. Mike was passionate about the campaign to save Stradbroke’s library; he, Ann Kerr, Maureen John and James Hargrave fought ferociously to ensure the facility and Court House building remained for the use of the village. Mike played an integral role on the board of the IPS, representing Stradbroke in ensuring all libraries in Suffolk could thrive in challenging circumstances. He would be very proud to see the progress that has been made and that the work has continued. Mike was co-opted onto the Parish Council in 2001 and was subsequently elected at each ballot, remaining an active member until shortly before his untimely death. He took on the publication of the Village Design Statement – a copious document that set out the vision for Stradbroke that is still valid. This dove-tailed with his enthusiasm for local history which did not diminish and in which he was a fount of knowledge. This interest led to Mike’s delving into the laws and vagaries of planning and he became the PC’s representative for planning issues. He had such a deep knowledge of the history of the village, its houses and properties that he was able to ensure that Stradbroke’s comments on planning applications were always valid. He might not have always seen the Parish Council’s view carried but his responses were never dismissed lightly. This approach ensured that Stradbroke Parish Council’s responses were always noted with respect by the district council’s planning department, and still are. Mike always presented his arguments in a reasoned manner and was a great fan of straight talking but he would generally temper this with a joke or ironic comment that wasn’t always caught until after the event! Although Mike had tendered his resignation from the Council shortly before his death he is still missed and his presence still felt. He has left a legacy to the village in various ways and for that he is owed a vote of thanks. Stradbroke Parish Council