Flags at half mast at RNLI Mudeford in honour of former mayor of Christchurch Nick Geary

FLAGS at RNLI Mudeford lifeboat station flew at half-mast in honour of former Christchurch mayor Nick Geary after his death last Friday following a long illness.

Cllr Geary spent two spells as a councillor for the local area between 1999 and 2019, the first when elected to Christchurch Borough Council.

He served twice as mayor of the town – first in 2010 the second in 2017.

He joined BCP Council in 2019 representing Highcliffe and Walkford, and was also a parish councillor and a co-founder of the Christchurch Independents, which broke away from the Conservatives.

Paying tribute to him, former Christchurch mayor Cllr Lesley Dedman said: “He was a true community man. He was not someone who just sat at a council meeting and went home.

“He would totally immerse himself in the local community and would do as much as he could for it. We will all really miss him.”

Posting a tribute online to Cllr Geary, a spokesperson for the Christchurch and District Royal Naval Association said: “Nick was a true friend of the RNA.

“We are lowering the flag at the RNLI Mudeford lifeboat station.”

A tweet from Christchurch Independents also paid tribute to Cllr Geary saying: "Nick Geary’s death is a sad loss to the Christchurch Independents team – one of the founder members.

"Our heartfelt condolences to Gillian (his wife), sons and other members of the family. A wonderful character and great servant to Christchurch."

Also paying tribute to Cllr Geary was BCP council leader Drew Mellor who said: “On behalf of BCP Council, I would like to send a message of condolence to the family and friends of one of our serving councillors, Nick Geary, who sadly passed away last week.

Fellow ward councillor for Highcliffe & Walkford, Cllr Nigel Brooks, said: "Nick and I were both elected to serve on BCP Council at its inception in 2019 for the Highcliffe & Walkford Ward. As a long-standing Christchurch councillor, Nick had an intimate knowledge and understanding of the area and the residents he served. As I was a ‘newbie’ councillor, Nick was most generous with his time helping me to find my feet in the ward. Nick will be sadly missed by many.''

The news of Cllr Geary death was announced to many via social media by former Cllr David Jones who hailed him as a “massive friend and champion for the ancient borough”.

He added: "His commitment to Christchurch showed through his time as mayor and deputy mayor, and throughout the 'war of independence', against the takeover by Bournemouth, gave the borough tremendous support.

“Although the seats he held are no longer part of Christchurch, we have lost a very steadfast and doughty champion.”