Tributes paid to former chairman and president of Cheshire Show (From Knutsford Guardian)

Tributes paid to former chairman and president of Cheshire Show

6:20pm Friday 8th March 2013 in News By James Wilson

TRIBUTES have been paid to a former president and chairman of the Cheshire Show, who died this week.

John Platt, died on Thursday at the age of 82 – a week after stepping down as president of the ever-popular show which is staged at Tabley showgrounds every June.

He had been suffering from health problems, and leaves his two sons, daughter and grandchildren, as well as his friends and community in his home village of Lach Dennis.

He was a former deputy lieutenant of Cheshire and received a doctorate from the University of Chester.

He was also a chairman and long-standing governor of Reaseheath College, ensuring the long-term survival of agriculture and farming through education.

Due to the numbers wishing to attend his funeral – and following an offer from Bishop of Chester, Peter Forster – the funeral will be held at Chester Catherdral on Tuesday, March 12 at 11am.

Paying tribute to John, Pickmere resident Steve Wilkinson – who is also a Cheshire East councillor – said: “It is fitting that Cheshire East Council pays tribute to all the hard work that John has done for our rural communities throughout his life over the years.

“I cannot think of anyone who has done more for and on behalf of the rural communities and agriculture in Cheshire than John.

“He has been an inspiration to everyone he has worked with during the many roles and positions he has held – from Cheshire Federation of Young Farmers, to long-serving governor and chairman at Reaseheath College.

“He also, of course, has many years of service to the Cheshire Agricultural Society and the Cheshire Show.

“I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sympathy to his family and pay a personal tribute to the support and encouragement which he gave to me and to his never-ending enthusiasm and interest in local government.”