TRIBUTES have flooded in following the death of a former Romsey mayor, who lived in the market town for 55 years.

Brian Palmer, who was Romsey's mayor from 1976 to 1977, passed away on Sunday, May 3 in Redhill Court Residential Care Home, Birmingham.

Now his family and community leaders have paid tribute to the 91-year-old who "loved Romsey to bits".

Brian served as a county councillor for Romsey between 1973 and 1977 and as a Test Valley Borough Councillor from 1979 to 1983, but stood down from both roles when he was posted to the United States by IBM.

However, on his return to the area, he was re-elected to Romsey Town Council and Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) in 1987, where he represented Romsey Cupernham.

The councillor served as TVBC mayor from 1996 to 1997 and was the chairman of Southern Planning Sub-Committee between 1995 and 1998.

In 2003 he stood down from his borough and town council roles.

Brian's oldest son, Phil Palmer, said: "He was a Romsey man through and through and loved the town to bits.

"He was a family man, he was always good for a joke and he used to like reciting old time poetry, such as The Lion and Albert, to us in a Yorkshire accent because that was one of his party pieces.

"I will remember the trips to the beach at the weekend with him and I have very strong memories of trips into the New Forest to have picnics, because when I think of dad that is what I think of.

"Dad had a real love of classical music and he used to play the drums at the Plaza Theatre for the pantomimes during Christmas; he did that for quite a few years during the 80s."

The 64-year-old added: "We had a small cremation yesterday and towards the end of this year or next year we are hoping we can book the Town Hall so we can invite his family and friends."

Brian's daughter, Nicola Robin, said: "He was a great dad, loved a party and had a very caring relationship with his five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

"Myself and my brothers Phil and Mike had a lot of great holidays in France because mum, Pam, and dad loved to travel there.

"Him and mum were a lovely couple and they got on very well; they travelled around the world on cruises and had some great holidays together."

The 62-year-old added: "He was a much-loved husband, dad and friend so it is sad he will not be around anymore."

Cllr John Parker, who represents Romsey Tadburn on the borough council, said “Brian did an excellent job as chairman of Southern Planning”

John added: "I think the last time I saw him was sitting with his friends and a pint just behind the door at the Old House at Home."

Cllr Mark Cooper, who represents Romsey Tadburn on the borough council, said: "Brian was always kind and loyal to his colleagues - he was a liberal through and through.

"At school he was taught by William Golding... now there’s a thought. He never told me which boy in Lord of the Flies he was.”

Cllr Karen Dunleavey, who represents Romsey Tadburn on the Town Council, said: “Brian was a special person, a former mayor of both Romsey and Test Valley and councillor for Cupernham for many years.

"Sadly after his wife's, Pam, death dementia claimed Brian and he spent the last couple of years in care.

"A kind, lovable, irascible man who will be missed by many.”

Cllr Roy Perry, who represents Romsey Rural on Hampshire County Council, said: "I was very sorry to learn of the death of Brian Palmer. He was a former county councillor for Romsey at a time when Wellow and the Blackwater villages were in the Romsey division.

"The Hampshire flag quite rightly flew at half mast over the Castle in Winchester in respect to Brian on the day his death was announced."

He added: "He and I may have been in different political parties but I don’t think we had any real differences.

"He was particularly committed to town twinning and suggested to me at one time that Wellow should twin with Heric in Brittany where his daughter lives.

"I always recognised in Brian a good and decent man committed to Romsey and this area in general. He will be fondly remembered and much missed."

Cllr Janet Burnage, who represents Romsey Cupernham on the borough council, added “What sad news. I remember Brian from when I first lived in Romsey in the 80s. Lovely man.”

Brian was also a founding member of the Romsey and District Society and later served as its chairman.

His interest in local history led to his becoming a trustee of King John’s House for a number of years.

A spokesperson from the Romsey Local History Society said they were "very appreciative" of his work when he was chairman of the society and his "ability to work with both archaeologists and historians".

Brian lived in Romsey from 1964 to 2019.