Former Steyning parish council chairman dies

Geoff Newman died suddenly at home, in Steyning, on Thursday, March 22. He was 69.

Mr Newman served on Steyning parish council for eight years, from the mid-1990s into the new millennium, and was chairman from 1996 to 1999.

Fellow former parish councillor and chairman Charles Ashby said Mr Newman had led several valuable projects for the town.

"He was on the Steyning 2000 Millennium Trust, as a trustee, and was part of a team that raised a lot of money," said Mr Ashby, adding money raised had been put towards features of Steyning, including the statue of St Cuthman, opposite St Andrew's Church, and the Poem on the Stone in Mouse Lane.

Mr Ashby explained Mr Newman had been instrumental in bringing Steyning Parish Council up to date.

"He was actually jointly credited, with myself. We were jointly credited with modernising the parish council. We got a certificate."

Mr Ashby added that Mr Newman had been passionate about films and had given a lot of help to Steyning's film society.

Mr Newman is survived by his widow, Hilary, sister Tricia, children Heather, Nigel and Robin, and grandchildren Kristian, Joshua, Samuel, Francesca, Katie and Simon.

His funeral service was held on Tuesday, at St Andrew's Church, Steyning.

Anyone wishing to make a donation in Mr Newman's memory is asked to give to the Steyning Area First Responders, via Chalcraft Funeral Directors, on 01903 812656.