Former mayor who died aged 93 wove his way into our hearts, say Mail’s readers
YOUR FOND MEMORIES OF PETER
READERS of the Burton Mail have spoken of their fond memories of a former mayor who died recently, saying he was dedicated to changing Burton for the better.
Peter Haynes represented Horninglow and Eton Park for more than 40 years on East Staffordshire Borough Council.
He was mayor of the borough three times and also represented Burton on Staffordshire County Council for 12 years and was chairman for two of those years.
He was made an alderman of the town in 2007. He died at the age of 93 in April after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.
In our original report about his death, his family told of one constituent who wrote a letter to Mr Haynes about disabled access in the area and town, so he spent a day in a wheelchair to see how hard it was for disabled people. As a result, he got pavements lowered and made improvements across the town for disabled people.
Mr Haynes was also instrumental in turning around the park in Shakespeare Road in Burton into what it is today. Along with wife Betty, he also organised charity collections of clothes and toys for orphaned children in Romania, when they collected two lorry loads.
Readers who knew Mr Haynes have taken to Facebook to add their own touch tributes and shared some of their memories of him. Kim Carpenter said: “RIP Peter - you’re with Betty now. Love to you both.
“Hope you’re with the angels together. I had the pleasure of meeting you both - fabulous loving people. Hearts of gold the pair of them. Goodnight Peter and Betty.”
Maria Bartram said: “Rest in peace, Peter, we will miss our chats. God bless you.” Helen Dolman added: “Lovely lovely man. RIP sir.”
Val Anguish said: “He got us our mortgage in 1967 when he was in insurance. I’m still in that property now - 55 years in Stretton.”
Michael Burke said: “RIP Peter, you were a fine man.” Susan Bates added: “Lovely man RIP.”
Dave Ward said: “RIP Peter. A lovely person and I feel privileged to have known you.” Beki Fearing said: “Such a lovely bloke - one of life’s finest gentlemen. Fly high Mr Haynes.” Alison Goodwin said: “RIP sir. Fly high. You’re a true gentleman.” Shazz Page simply added: “Lovely man.” Susan Woollett said: “Rest in peace sir.”
Mr Haynes was married for 68 years. His wife died from pneumonia in 2018 and when he spoke to the Burton Mail at the time, he told how they first met when he was in the Army. He was stationed in Egypt and he was friends with a sergeant in the 4th Royal Tank Regiment. The sergeant was named Tom and his wife, Audrey, was friends with Betty.
Tom wrote to his wife saying a friend needed a penpal and so they started writing to each other. In 1948 Peter was demobbed and he returned to Burton.
Betty was working at the Taveners Tape Factory in Shobnall Street, and her boss said to her: “I think you had better go as you have a soldier waiting for you”. Peter remembered how “lovely” she looked as she rode down Casey Lane on her push bike to meet him. They started dating and decided to get engaged at the end of 1948.
However, Betty changed her mind about getting married, so Peter bought a suit with the money and went to see an Army mate in Oxford. When he returned Betty had luckily changed her mind again and they saved for their dream wedding on November 5, 1949, which was also her parents’ wedding anniversary.
The couple had two daughters – Maureen Stringer and Linda Hall – five grandsons, and 10 great grandchildren.