Tributes paid to former Mayor of Sefton and Southport community champion Tommy Mann

The death has been announced of prominent Southport personality and former Mayor of Sefton, Tommy Mann (1935-2022). 

He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday night (28th April) in a Southport care home.

Tommy’s association with Southport dated back to 1960 when the Mann family; his father Tommy Mann Snr, mother Annie, wife Edie and baby daughter Karen, came to the town to take over the lease on the Marine Lake, soon to be joined by a new daughter, Alyson.

Tommy’s father had established many successful leisure businesses especially in New Brighton where young Tommy spent much of his childhood… even driving his father’s miniature railway train. This childhood on the banks of the Mersey developed Tommy’s fascination for all things marine.

On arrival in Southport Tommy and his father soon developed the Marine Lake into one of Southport’s major leisure attractions with a large flotilla of pleasure boats, many built in the boathouse opposite the, then, Promenade Hospital.

One of the most exciting additions to the lake was the introduction of a fleet of high-powered speedboats that thrilled riders and spectators alike.

The family also established the Marine Lake Café to provide refreshments for eager boaters.

The family also established Southport Sailing Club in the small wooden building above the boathouse. This then became the Lakeside Sailing Club and is now the Lakeside Inn, acclaimed in The Guinness Book of Records as ‘The Smallest Pub In Britain’. 

In its heyday the Lakeside club became the post-show venue of choice for many of the top stars of the day appearing at the Floral Hall and Southport Theatre.

After 23 years at the Marine Lake, Tommy and Edie decided to look for pastures new and they moved to the Isle of Man where they had a leisure business in Port Erin. However, missing their growing family back in England they returned to Southport in 1988 where they soon enjoyed their new roles as grandparents.

In 1992 tragedy struck when Edie passed away from cancer. Tommy coped with his loss by devoting himself to his family, but a new life pathway was soon to emerge for him.

He became involved in local politics and was elected a Councillor for Southport’s Cambridge Ward, a post he held for many years. He was always there when people needed advice or support and he added to his civic duties by being on the board of Southport Partnership and as a governor of Stanley High School in Marshside in Southport.

Tommy’s consummate devotion to his civic duties soon led to him achieving his highest public role; in 2006 he became Mayor of Sefton. It was a role he fully engaged with and, supported by his friend Jean Lilley who became Mayoress, he committed to an exhausting programme of engagements over the Mayoral year even, representing the borough in Gdansk, Poland, which was officially twinned with Sefton.

As Mayor of Sefton he supported many good causes and welcomed members of the royal family to the borough including Princess Anne. His devotion to the role led to him being given the ‘Mayor of the Year’ award by The Co-Operative Bank in 2007.

Throughout the whole of his civic duties Tommy was a devoted family man; and a growing family it was! Apart from daughters Karen and Alyson, he’d welcomed 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren into his life.

Tommy eventually retired from local politics but this did not stop him devoting his life to the service of others in the community including duties for the Merseyside Fire Authority, and The Samaritans, amongst others. He also supported lifeboat charities as a result of his love for the sea and sailing.

Tommy’s daughter, Karen has summed up the family’s feelings about their loss.

She said: ‘My Dad was the centre of our family, always there with unconditional love and support whenever we needed it. We have been so lucky to have him in our lives… he’s irreplaceable.”

Southport MP Damien Moore said: “I’d like to pay tribute to Tommy Mann who was an outstanding public servant and gave a lot to Southport over many years both as a councillor and tireless community champion. I send my deepest condolences to his family who will be in the thoughts of many at this very sad time.” 

Former Southport councillor and Southport Parliamentary Candidate Brenda Porter said: “Tommy was an exceptional human being. He was kind, caring and a gentleman but most importantly to my husband Ken and I he was our friend of longstanding. You will be missed my friend. RIP.Brenda and Ken Porter.” 

Funeral arrangements are yet to be confirmed.

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