Water Rat to hold celebration of life of former Ripon deputy mayor Charlie Powell

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A celebration of the life of Charlie Powell, a former deputy mayor of Ripon City Council, is to be held at the city's Water Rat pub.

Mr Powell served as deputy mayor from 2017-2021 during a 19-year term as a city councillor.

He died on April 5, following a battle with dementia.

His widow, Jilly-Anne Powell, is hosting the celebration on Monday, June 29, at the pub on Bondgate Green Lane.

Mr Powell was elected to the Moorside and Minster wards on the city council, and also represented Ripon  on Harrogate Borough Council for 10 years as an independent.

He received a long service award from the council on August 31, 2022, following his retirement in May that year.

Mr Powell's business acumen helped in negotiations when Curzon opened Ripon’s first cinema since the Palladium Picture House closed more than 30 years prior.

He also played a major role in developing Quarry Moor park and nature reserve.

Besides his political service, Mr Powell spent 15 years in the Royal Engineers.

He also spent 18 years in Saudi Arabia working for the military division of British Aircraft Corporation before becoming a senior administrator with Waste Management International Ltd in Jeddah.

Ms Powell said she hoped as many people attend the celebration as possible but urged anyone willing to do so to inform her in advance. She can be contacted at Jillyannew@gmail.com