Tributes paid after death of former Nantwich Mayor and councillor

Tributes have been paid to former Nantwich Mayor and town councillor Keith Cafferty who has died aged 87 after a short illness.

Keith was a key figure in the town for many years and not just in his role as a councillor.

He is credited for helping to rescue key events such as Battle of Nantwich and the Food Festival in its early years.

Keith moved to the town later life, but enthusiastically immersed himself in the community.

He became a Town Councillor in 2003, serving for 11 years, including one year as Mayor.

He was very active in defending Nantwich’s interests, being involved in the campaigns to keep First Responders and to install defibrillators around the town.

He also promoted the Shop In Nantwich (SIN) initiative.

When Cheshire East Council was formed in 2009, he worked with other Nantwich councillors to ensure assets like the Market and the Civic Hall were put under the control of Nantwich Town Council.

Keith was also a Governor of Pear Tree Primary School in its early days, and was a director of Nantwich Museum.

He also acted as council liaison helping Nantwich Town FC with their move to a new stadium from Jackson Avenue to Waterlode. He became a keen follower of their progress.

His son Shaun, who runs Whitegates property agency in Nantwich, paid tribute saying: “He was a well-known figure among local traders and was keen to support the prosperity of the town, through helping to rescue events like the Food Festival and the Battle of Nantwich when they were in danger of folding.

“He also relaunched Nantwich Carnival as a Family Fun Day, held for a number of years on The Barony, and St George’s Day celebrations.

“He was passionate more than he was political, full of ideas and with a ‘can do’ mentality.

“He was usually very ‘hands on’ at the various town events that he would champion.

“Even when his physical health deteriorated, and he was no longer as involved, he could still be found giving a helping hand in the background at events like the Battle of Nantwich, whose management committee he chaired once he had retired from local politics.”

Keith Cafferty’s funeral will be held at St Mary’s Church in Nantwich at 1pm on Thursday 16th April.