Tributes paid to 'great advocate' of Horwich, Joyce Kellett

Joyce Kellett, 73, had lived in Horwich since 1969 and ran a clothes shop in Hindley and a farm with her husband David.

She twice served as the mayor of Horwich from 2001 to 2002 and 2012 to 2013 as well as representing Horwich North East on Bolton Council from 2011 to 2019.

Her family has a tradition of serving across the town with her great uncle, John Brooks, also serving as the mayor of Farnworth from 1950-51.

One of her daughters, Nichola, served as a mayoress when Joyce was Horwich mayor from 2001 to 2002.

Joyce Kellett (right) and Jean Gillies as Mayor and Mayoress of Horwich

Councillor colleagues have paid tributes to her, calling her a 'dear friend' who was a 'great advocate' for Horwich and will be missed by everyone.

A Horwich and Blackrod Labour statement said: "It is with the greatest sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend and former Councillor Joyce Kellett, who died peacefully, after a short illness, with her family by her side.

"Well known by everyone in her hometown of Horwich, Joyce's friendly personality and sense of fun was infectious and her positive attitude for everything she did made her a completely dedicated Labour Councillor on both Horwich Town and Bolton Council representing and supporting the people of Horwich.

Joyce was very proud to serve as mayor of Horwich from 2001-02 and again in 2012-13. Deputy mayor of Horwich 2017-18 and deputy leader and leader of Horwich Town Council and also as member for Horwich North East on Bolton Council from 2011 until 2019. She was also Vice Chair of Bolton Council’s Planning Committee.

"Joyce worked tirelessly for Horwich and her legacy will come from the countless community and voluntary groups, schools, businesses and residents she supported and helped for many years.

"Horwich has lost a great advocate and Joyce will be very sadly missed by everyone who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this sad time."

Horwich North East councillors Kevin McKeon (left) and Richard Silvester (right) with Joyce Kellett

Bolton Labour group leader Nick Peel said: "So sorry to hear the sad news today of the passing of my friend and colleague, former Councillor Joyce Kellett, after a short illness. She was so full of fun and positivity in all that she did, and was a great advocate for the people of Horwich. Joyce will be greatly missed by all who had the honour of knowing her."

Horwich town councillor and Horwich and Blackrod councillor, David Grant, added: "It is with great sadness that I have learned today of the passing of former Horwich Councillor and twice Mayor Joyce Kellett. A great ambassador for the town for many years my thoughts and prayers are with her family."

Joyce was a mother-of-three, grandmother of ten, and great-grandmother of six.