TRIBUTES have been paid to a titan of the Evesham community, former mayor Councillor Alan Booth, whose death was announced on Monday.
Mr Booth, who was affectionately known as ‘Mr Evesham’ was a serving councillor for Bengeworth ward and stood as mayor four times, latterly from 2023 to 2024.
He is renowned for being a tireless advocate for the town and championed many local organisations and causes including, Working World, shopmobility and Evesham Royal British Legion (RBL).
He died peacefully at home on Sunday, January 26, age 82 following a short illness. He leaves behind a son, Wayne.
The late Alan Booth. s
A spokesperson from Evesham Town Council, said: “Alan was a dedicated and valued member of the council and will be greatly missed. He had an unwavering commitment to service and a deep love for our town. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”
Mr Booth was a veteran of the British Army and played a large role in the annual Remembrance Parade and Armed Forces Days around Evesham. He spent 30 years dedicated to the Evesham RBL including 10 years as chairman and following that, vice chairman.
He served in the Royal Signals and was part of the Burma Star Association in Evesham, remembering those who served and fell in the Burma Campaign during the Second World War.
Born in Winson Green, Birmingham on May 7, 1942, Mr Booth made Evesham his home in the early 1980s arriving with his late wife Carolyn to become the manager of The Bear pub in Port Street.
He moved on to become the licensee of the nearby Angel Vaults pub which he ran with Carolyn for two decades.
He joined Evesham Town Council as a representative for Bengeworth Ward in 2000 and first served as mayor during 2007 to 2008 and continued a further consecutive two terms.
Among his many achievements were campaigning for greater flood control measures, speaking out for better accessibility and overseeing the opening of the Evesham Sanctuary Centre for refugees and asylum seekers.
In November 2024 he was presented with the Love Evesham Community Award at the Love Evesham awards, demonstrating the community’s appreciation for all his hard work over the years.
Alan and his best friend Trevor Leavesley. s
Best friend of some 40 years, former publican Trevor Leavesley, said Mr Booth was a ‘very gregarious’ individual who was passionate about his rugby and football. “He dedicated his life to Evesham and will be remembered for his service to the town,” he said.
“He was involved in lots of charities – John Martin’s, Garage Arts and Working World which was his favourite. He was always willing to help anyone or do what he could to assist or improve things.”
Best friends and publicans, Trevor and Alan. s
Mr Booth’s funeral will be held at St Peter’s Church, Bengeworth at 1pm on Thursday, February 13 and afterwards at Evesham Town Hall for the wake.
Trevor’s daughter Rebecca has set up a JustGiving campaign to cover funeral costs. Visit: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rebecca-hitchcock-2 to contribute.
