Remembering Councillor Geoff Cole, Freeman of the Parish

Southwater Parish Council is deeply saddened to announce the death of Councillor Geoff Cole.

Geoff was a much-loved and highly respected member of the Council who gave many years of dedicated service to Southwater. His knowledge, kindness, good humour and genuine care for the community made an enormous difference, both to the work of the Council and to the people who had the privilege of knowing him.

Geoff and his wife moved to Southwater in July 2002. Following his retirement in 2012, Geoff became a Parish Councillor and quickly became an active and committed member of the Council. As a Chartered Quantity Surveyor, he brought considerable professional knowledge and practical experience to his role, particularly in relation to planning, property, development and finance.

He served on both the Planning Committee and the Finance and General Purposes Committee, where his measured judgement, attention to detail and understanding of complex issues were greatly valued. Even after stepping back from the Planning Committee in 2023, Geoff continued to share his extensive knowledge of Southwater’s planning history and remained closely involved in planning matters affecting the village with his continued involvement in the Neighbourhood Plan.

One of Geoff’s most significant contributions was his work on Southwater’s Neighbourhood Plan. He joined the working group established to prepare the Plan in 2014 and devoted a great deal of time and effort to its development. He remained actively involved in neighbourhood planning, including the work carried out in 2023 and, more recently, as part of the working group preparing the emerging joint Shipley and Southwater Neighbourhood Plan.

Geoff also played an important role in examining the maintenance and operation of the former Southwater Leisure Centre. He went on to serve as a member of the working group and later as a trustee of the charitable incorporated organisation responsible for what is now known as The Ghyll. His involvement reflected his practical approach and his determination to help improve important community facilities for future generations. These contributions were also highlighted when he was nominated for the Freedom of the Parish.

In recognition of his exceptional service to Southwater, the Council resolved on 15 November 2023 to award Geoff the Freedom of the Parish. He was formally presented with the honour on 20 March 2024. This was a fitting acknowledgement of his many years of public service and his outstanding contribution to Southwater.

Geoff’s contribution cannot be measured only through the committees he served on or the projects he supported. He was held in enormous affection by Council staff, who knew him as a warm, caring and supportive councillor. He always took an interest in the people around him, offered encouragement when it was needed and brought humour and compassion to Council business.

He was thoughtful, dependable and generous with his time. His colleagues valued his experience and judgement, but they will remember just as strongly his kindness, his wit and the personal support he gave so freely.

Geoff leaves a lasting legacy in Southwater. His influence can be seen in the plans he helped shape, the community facilities he worked to support and the many decisions to which he brought his knowledge and good sense. Most importantly, he will be remembered as a thoroughly decent and caring person who worked tirelessly for the place he called home.

The Chairman, councillors and staff of Southwater Parish Council send their deepest condolences to Di, Geoff’s family and his many friends.

Geoff will be greatly missed by everyone at the Council both past and present.