Tributes to John Duckett – Stratford born-and-bred former mayor, boxer and NFU worker
FORMER Stratford mayor John Duckett, who has died at the age of 93, was involved with a wealth of organisations in the town over his long life.
John was born in Shakespeare Street, Stratford, on 13th May 1930 to Tom and Lily Duckett. His younger sister, Rosemary, died in 1937 at the age of just four. The family moved to New Cottages, in Shottery Road and John attended Broad Street School and later the Hugh Clopton School for Boys on Alcester Road. Mick Love, his cousin, who also was to become mayor, lived with the family for five years.
John became interested in boxing and went for training lessons with Mr Hide who lived in Rother Street. Later he joined Leamington Boxing Club and at this stage his father decided to start the Stratford Boxing Club. They trained at Tyler Street Boys’ Club and later held tournaments at the barn that was at the back of the Red Lion pub, in Bridge Street, and also at the Hippodrome which was at the back of Wood Street. John won on many occasions and continued his involvement with the boxing club and became its chairman.
John joined the army cadets and as drum major of the band, led parades on many occasions through the town.
His interest in football found him playing for Alveston Juniors and later in senior football for the Men’s Social Club and Shottery. John was instrumental in setting up Recreational Rovers for whom he also played.
After leaving school at the age of 14, John joined Fox’s the Printers, in Greenhill Street, as an apprentice compositor. He worked there until he was 21 and then left to do his National Service. He joined the Royal Military Police which enabled him to carry on with his boxing. After his National Service, he became a special constable in Stratford and went back to work at Fox’s. When it was later taken over by the NFU Mutual he worked for them in Tiddington until his retirement.
John became interested in keeping poultry. He started breeding and showing spangle bantams and he won many competitions all over the country. He became a well-respected judge around the country. He would often pack the poultry into crates, taking them to Stratford railway station and send them off on their own to be collected at the other end for the show.
John became involved with Stratford Borough Council, standing for the Shottery Ward as an independent. Under local government reorganisation, in April 1974 the borough council was dissolved and Stratford District Council and Stratford Town Council were formed. John devoted 23 years to public service and served as borough, district and town councillor. Supported by his first wife, Mary, he was Mayor of Stratford in 1979-80.
John was very much involved in the Stratford Royal British Legion Club and was made president. He was also responsible for marshalling the Shakespeare Birthday parade for many years.
Whilst working at the NFU he met Valerie who also worked there as an insurance clerk. They were married in 1985 and they made their home in Stratford. They enjoyed many years of happy holidays around the UK and abroad.
Among John’s many other commitments were Stratford in Bloom, the Shakespeare Hospice, the Friends of Stratford Hospital, tending his garden and allotment and looking after his bantams. His stepson, Gary, said: “We’re not sure where he found the time to have a day off yet alone a holiday!”
John was a very supportive stepfather to Gary and Chris; he was always there for help and advice and nothing was ever too much trouble whether it be taking an interest in their careers or helping with his grandchildren, Gemma, Alex, Max and Holly. His passion for his garden and his immaculate lawn and flower beds was tested from time to time when those grandchildren appeared with footballs and prams.
When John retired from the NFU Mutual he had achieved a remarkable 50 years’ service with the company, something that will probably never be repeated by anyone else at the NFU. His retirement years were spent devoted to his garden, his poultry husbandry and looking after his grandchildren with Val. They were always there for days out in the holidays, sports days, nativity plays and maypole dancing.
Sadly John was diagnosed with dementia and in 2009 Valerie passed away. He continued to live on his own – he was fiercely independent and developed a strong daily routine, walking into Stratford nearly every day. He was well known throughout the town from Barclays Bank to Marks and Spencer and various cafes and restaurants. He would also be seen regularly in the Legion with his friend, Bob.
In later years, Gary, Chris and his cousin Mick gave him increasingly more help and support to enable him to carry on living at home and remain independent.
Although he was fit for a 93-year-old, unfortunately on 13th December John had a fall at home which resulted in him being admitted to Warwick Hospital where he passed away peacefully in his sleep on 6th February.
He was a Stratford man through and through and will be sadly missed in the town and by his family, friends and neighbours.
