Tributes paid after death of former Winsford mayor Pam Booher

Pam’s career in public service began in 1987 when she followed her father, Les Knight, into local politics, serving as a Labour councillor for the Gravel ward for 32 years, including four terms as Winsford town mayor between 1992 and 2007.

She was later elected to Vale Royal Borough Council, Cheshire County Council and then Cheshire West and Chester Council, where she served as Vale Royal mayor in 1995/96, and unusually for a Winsford councillor, Lord Mayor of Chester in 2012/13.

Her public service did not end with politics. Pam was a respected magistrate for 42 years, and sat on countless charitable and public committees including school governing bodies, Cheshire Fire Authority, the Sea Cadets, and as a director for Winsford Youth Forum and Groundworks Cheshire.

Pam Booher welcoming incoming Winsford mayor Steve Smith in 2012 (Image: Supplied)

Pam’s son, Kemper Booher, said: “Mum was a devoted wife, mother, grandma, and friend to many. She loved her town, which she worked tirelessly to care for and support.

“Her kitchen table welcomed everybody. Always full of food, music and laughter, she found the best in those she met. She proudly championed her family, friends and townspeople at every opportunity.”

Pam was born in the Gravel area of Winsford in May 1937, where she lived all her life.

In 1977, her beloved husband, Johnny, died suddenly on a family holiday, leaving her to raise their three children, Debbie, Kerry and Kemper, by herself.

Mayor of Winsford Pam Booher with the fire service's Darren Hickson and Insp Dave Snasdell, from Cheshire Police (Image: Supplied)

To provide for her children, she continued in her role as a manager for British Telecom at Middlewich and Northwich telephone exchanges, retiring in 1990 to look after her elderly mother, Elsie.

Outside her public, family and professional life, Pam had a passion for music and the arts; a top soprano, she sang first in her own Trinity Methodist church choir, then Winsford Choral Society, Winsford Operatic Society, the Rivendell Singers and the prestigious Halle Choir.

Pam’s former council colleague of 29 years, Brian Clarke, said: “Pam was very feisty. If ever anyone said something wrong about someone in council, she would be up on her feet and at them.

“She gave a tremendous amount to Winsford and the wider community over the years, as a county, borough and town councillor, and as a magistrate.

Brian Clarke, left, alongside Pam and Don Beckett in 2019 (Image: Supplied)

“She was not only absolutely brilliant at her work, but she was always genuinely true to her politics.

“Pam was a wonder, and she will be sorely missed.”

Pam’s funeral will be held at Trinity Methodist Church, Station Road, Winsford, on Monday, February 20, at 10.30am.