TRIBUTES have been paid to a community champion who has died aged 68.

Mike Bromwich was a well-known figure in Padgate, having volunteered with a number of groups working towards the betterment of the area over the years.

Organisations which he worked with or founded included the Friends of Christ Church Graveyard, the Friends of Padgate Library, Padgate Probus Club, Padgate Community Garden, the scouts and youth groups – while he was also keenly involved with documenting the history of the district and established the Village Scene newsletter.

The retired granddad – who latterly lived in Lower Walton and previously worked at Crosfields – passed away suddenly on Monday, April 18, after enjoying a day in the park with his family.

Probus club president John Stubbings, who worked alongside Mike in several community groups, said: "He just got involved in everything, he was terrific and he used to really enjoy what he was doing. He became the probus club's treasurer, and he would get up to all sorts.


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"His family came from Padgate. They used to live on Station Road going back, and even though he moved away he was always committed to the community in Padgate.

"Mike was very much a community man. It was just in his nature.

"He just wanted to do the best he could. He was born in Padgate and he loved the area – he was so committed to what he wanted to do.

"The time he must have put into the community would have been colossal.

"Mike was determined to make the best of things, and that's what he did.

"He never stopped."

A keen rambler, Mike leaves behind wife Jenny, son Christopher and his two grandchildren.

His funeral will be held at Christ Church Padgate at 11.30am today, Thursday, followed by a service at Walton Lea Crematorium.

Donations to the Alzheimer's Society are welcomed.