Death of ‘Wild card’ Thame councillor

THAME Town Council today paid tribute to long-standing Thame Councillor, who died on Sunday, February 15, after a battle with cancer.

The late Cllr Mike Welply

In a statement this afternoon, the town council described the Mike’s full and varied life and councillors who had known him, some for many years, paid their own, personal tributes.

The statement read: “After enrolling in the Royal Air Force, was posted all around the world, including the jungles of Malaya and the Middle Eastern country of Oman. After thirty years in the service he became a civil servant at the Ministry of Defence and more recently a security consultant. He was Master of The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals from 2004-05.

“Cllr Nigel Champken Woods said he thought he had probably known Mike for longer than anyone on the Council but had not realised until swopping stories about their time in the RAF. He recalled: “In the late 60’s Mike was an RAF Regiment Officer based in Bahrain in the Gulf and I was also based there working on RAF Argosy aircraft, providing a shuttle between Bahrain and all the forward operating bases in the Gulf. On one memorable occasion I was acting as temporary crew and we dropped an RAF Officer off at one of the forward operating bases but had to leave in a hurry for operational reasons, leaving him behind, without even a clean pair of underpants! It wasn’t until at a town council event when Mike and I were comparing notes that we discovered that he was that RAF Regiment Officer. He did forgive me, eventually! Mike was a larger than life character dedicated to the town and its people, I for one will certainly miss him. ‘Per ardua ad astra’ (Through adversity to the stars).”

“Involved in town politics for over 15 years, Mike was the Town Mayor in 2002-03. He was always well prepared for meetings and took the issues before Council very seriously, yet he was always ready for a giggle or light hearted banter. Never afraid to be controversial or provocative, his cheerful can-do attitude saw him throw himself into projects and always with the best interests of the town in mind.

“Town Mayor Cllr Jeannette Matelot Green, said: “Mike was intelligent, exuberant but above all a charming man. He was steadfast in his determination to attend council meetings no matter how poorly he felt – a role model councillor.”

“Cllr Helena Fickling remembered Mike as having; “….strong views on many things and we enjoyed several very long conversations on Planning and the need for more modern architecture in South Oxfordshire. He was often dissatisfied with the decisions of Planning Officers due to this. He was a wild card and unpredictable while his views were often expressed very bombastically. I will miss him.”

“Cllr Linda Emery said: “So sorry to hear the sad news about Mike. My recollection of the first time we met was at the Barns Centre with Jeannette when I was thinking about becoming a Councillor. He encouraged me to apply – Forthwith! He was mostly mischievously amusing in council chambers. He had a passion for preserving Thame’s historical cultural presence and retaining its wonderful community spirit. He had an amazing breadth of local historical knowledge.”

“Whilst acknowledging Mike as a Councillor, he was also a friend as Cllr Mike Dyer remembered: “Larger than life with his military bearing and booming voice, he had no airs or graces, wore a permanent smile, and put everyone at their ease. His energy and enthusiasm were boundless, his love of life infectious, and he earned the respect of all who had the privilege to know him. Mike saw the best in people and always encouraged their endeavours. A true gent, he will be sadly missed as both a colleague and a friend.”

The statement continued: “The town not only benefited from Mike’s experience as a Town Councillor but also as a District Councillor on South Oxfordshire District Council where he served as Vice Chairman in 2009 and Chairman in 2010. Ann Midwinter, Chairman of the District Council, said of Mike: “He was a very hard working Councillor who pursued projects to the end. He really put the interests of the people of Thame first.”

“Helen Stewart, Town Clerk, added: “Cllr Welply was always full of energy, with a twinkle in his eye and brightened up any day when he called in to the Town Hall. He was very well liked and respected by all of the Town Council staff and we will sincerely miss him.”

“Summing up the many thoughts and memories of Mike, it is perhaps the following words offered by Cllr Vaughan Humphries that many of us will relate to: “Mike had an infectious smile, hearty laugh and phenomenal vocabulary – I can honestly say even I learned a few new words! He had a flair to add a touch of drama to the most mundane subject. Most of all and regardless of political affiliation, he was well liked and admired by many, championing many causes. A committed Councillor at both Town and District level and most of all a fighter. A sad loss indeed, he will be sorely missed.”