Keith Lock

Keith Lock, one of Mortimer's best-known and most well-respected residents died recently. He will be sadly missed by many people in the village who valued him highly as one of the longest serving councillors in West Berkshire. He represented the village with huge energy, enthusiasm and deep commitment. Keith was a Liberal Democrat and had a long record of public service in the county, including terms as Chairman of the Newbury District Council and West Berkshire Council, whose chief executive Nick Carter said: "Keith was instrumental in establishing West Berkshire Council in 1998. Whilst his commitment and achievements stand for all to see, it is Keith's approach that I shall always remember. He was never one to seek the limelight, his style being one that saw him effectively working through issues and problems in an open, consensual and often humorous manner. In many ways he set the tone for the whole organisation and the constructive way in which officers and members work together here is, to a large part, down to Keith's initial leadership and guidance. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten." More tributes to Keith can be seen here. Our thoughts and sympathy go to his wife Mollie and their family. The public memorial service for Keith took place at Mortimer St John's Church on Friday 3rd March at 11 a.m.; the church was full to overflowing, another indication of the respect in which Keith was held.