Tributes have been paid to former Civic Mayor of Tameside, councillor and freeman of the borough Charles Meredith MBE, who has sadly passed away at the age of 96. 

The father-of-four died on Wednesday (23 June) and news of his death was made public on Thursday (24 June). 

More commonly known as Charlie, he enjoyed a colourful and active life of public service, contributing much to local government and the legal system.

Charlie's grandson Kris, a former Tameside Radio presenter, said on Twitter: "Today we say goodbye to my grandad, Charles Meredith. He was known as Mr Stalybridge and put his heart and soul into making the town so great! He was awarded an MBE from her Majesty the Queen and lived such a full life! He was the best grandad!!! Sleep Tight Grandad Charlie." 

His life as an elected politician began in 1954 when, at the age of 29, he was chosen to represent Millbrook ward on Stalybridge Borough Council.

Charlie held the distinction of being mayor of Stalybridge in 1968-69 and of Tameside in 1979-80. He was also twice deputy mayor, as well as completing a six-year term as an alderman.

Charlie was a Tameside councillor from the borough’s inception in 1974 to 1982, and from 1988 until 2004.

He was also a founding member of Stalybridge Labour Club and of many of the town’s associations. 

In 1998, Charlie was made a freeman of the borough of Tameside and was also awarded an MBE by the Queen. 

Tameside Council flew its flag at Dukinfield Town Hall at half mast in his honour. 

A spokesperson for the authority said: "So sad to hear the news today that former Civic Mayor, Councillor and Freeman of the Borough, Charles Meredith MBE has passed away. He lived a long life dedicated to public service having served as a Councillor for Stalybridge in the Borough of Tameside since its inception in 1974 to 1982, and again from 1988 to 2004.

"Charles was made a freeman of the Borough in 1998 for his devotion and service to the people of the borough and will be missed by family and many friends spanning his lifelong devotion to public service." 

Paying tribute, the current Civic Mayor of Tameside, Councillor Janet Cooper, said: “As civic mayor I am proud to be following in the footsteps of Charlie Meredith who set such a fine example, not only as a mayor but as a councillor and as a human being.

“He was the local man who wanted to do his best for his town and devoted his life to that end. He fully deserved all the honours bestowed on him.

“I know Charlie will be deeply missed in Stalybridge where he had become something of a legendary figure, but he will be missed throughout the rest of Tameside too. On behalf of the borough I would like to pass on my deepest sympathies to his family.”

'Rest in peace Charlie, my old friend' 

Stalybridge and Hyde MP Jonathan Reynolds described Charlie as "one of a kind" and said he "appreciated his support over the years". 

He commented: "Sad to learn of the death of my friend Charlie Meredith of Mottram Rise, Stalybridge, former Councillor for Duki/Staly ward, and former Mayor of Tameside.

"Charlie was one of a kind and will not quickly be forgotten. I appreciated his support over the years very much. Goodnight Sir, Stalybridge is in your debt." 

Denton MP Andrew Gwynne said: "So very sad to hear of the death of my friend and former Council colleague, Charlie Meredith.

"Charlie was the embodiment of public service and cared passionately for the people of Stalybridge and then later for Dukinfield/Stalybridge Ward.

"A former mayor of both Stalybridge and Tameside, Charlie was deservedly admitted as a freeman of the borough in June 1998. I had the pleasure of being at his ceremony as a young Tameside Councillor representing Denton West.

"Rest in peace Charlie, my old friend." 

Charles Meredith. Image credit: Tameside Council. 

'To say this man was a legend is an understatement' 

Ashton-under-Lyne MP Angela Rayner said he will be "sorely missed". 

"Rest in peace Charles, my thoughts are with your friends and family at this difficult time," she wrote on Twitter. 

"Charles will be missed by the whole of the Tameside Labour family and so many people in our community. His life was dedicated to public service, serving as a Councillor and the Mayor in both Stalybridge and Tameside and he was made a Freeman of Tameside in 1998. RIP." 

Tameside Council leader Councillor Brenda Warrington said he was "something of a legend in council circles". 

She added: "His whistle always proceeded him, and he had a ready anecdote or funny story for any occasion. To say this man was a legend is an understatement, and as with any huge personality will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.

"He served both Stalybridge and Tameside Borough Councils, was mayor with both and was made a Freeman of Tameside in 1998. His service was rivalled by few, and once met, never forgotten. Rest in peace Charlie, you will be missed." 

Former Civic Mayor of Tameside Leigh Drennan commented: "It’s so sad to learn of the death of Charlie Meredith. A giant amongst the Tameside Labour family and known by everyone in Stalybridge. Rest in peace Charlie." 

Councillor Dave Sweeton, who serves the Dukinfield/Stalybridge ward, tweeted: "It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my great friend and former colleague Charles Meredith MBE. Charlie was an impeccable human being and much-loved Stalybridge councillor for 50 years representing constituents on both Stalybridge Council and later Tameside MBC." 

The youngest magistrate in the country and meeting the Queen 

Charlie was born in the old Castle Hall district in Stalybridge in September 1924, attended West Hill School and was apprenticed as a sheet-metal worker before joining the Royal Navy in January 1943.

After his demob, he became a representative for Prudential Assurance and spent 21 years as chairman and secretary for the Hyde branch of the National Insurance Workers’ Union.

While undergoing naval training at Whale Island in Hampshire, he appeared in a film starring Sir Ralph Richardson – then a sub-lieutenant pilot – and was presented to Princess Elizabeth, the heir to the throne. He met the Queen a second time when she visited Stalybridge in 1968.

Charlie served both as chairman of the panel of magistrates – South Tameside courts, and the juvenile bench, Stalybridge. In 1957, aged 32, he was the youngest magistrate in the country. He resigned in 1991 to concentrate on his work as a Tameside councillor.

Stalybridge was at the heart of Charlie’s life and he was immensely proud of the fact. He would often say that he ate, drank and slept the town – something he made plain in his autobiography “As I Remember” which was published 25 years ago.

Among the groups and organisations he supported were Stalybridge Celtic, where he had been a director; St Paul’s Church and the Royal British Legion.

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