Lion of Twerton Ray Rosewarn dies at 95
A former Mayor of Bath nicknamed the Lion of Twerton for his work in the area has died at the age of 95.
Labour politician Ray Rosewarn was first citizen when the Queen visited the city during her silver jubilee year in 1977.
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Ray Rosewarn with the Queen in 1977
A councillor for 27 years, the retired barber was honoured by the naming of Rosewarn Close at Whiteway after him.
Mr Rosewarn was married to Vera, who died in 2008, and had one daughter, Mary, two grandchildren, Abigail and Sam, and four great-grandchildren, Ellie, Josh, Oliver and Belle.
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A tribute from his grandchildren said: “Although we shared our grandad with the local community, he always had time for everyone. He had a big heart who touched many people’s lives and we are so proud of everything he achieved. He was a devoted husband, father and amazing grandad and great-grampy to his loving family. We will miss all the good times and laughter.”
Current Twerton councillor Tim Ball said: “We will all miss Ray Rosewarn. He was respected across the political divide and spoke for the people he represented.”
The devoted Bath Rugby supporter represented Twerton on the old Bath City Council from 1965 to 1983 and served on Avon County Council from 1974 to 1992, chairing it in 1989. He was involved in Whiteway community centre, and the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, and a school governor.
Mr Rosewarn had served in the Royal Artillery during the war, and was demobbed with the rank of sergeant major.
He moved to Bath in 1936 and had lived in the city ever since. He once recalled that his barber’s shop often became a councillor’s surgery: “Customer used to get cross because people were always coming into the shop to talk to me about things and ask my advice about getting a council house.”
His funeral service will be held on Tuesday February 26 at Haycombe Cemetery, at 1pm.
His family say all friends are welcome. A wake will be held at the Boathouse pub in Newbridge Road at 2pm.
2 Comments
by Respondent
Tuesday, March 12 2013, 9:50PM
“A photo of Ray Rosewarn in his barber shop in the 1970s:
http://tinyurl.com/cw5fx34”
by ivortwerton
Wednesday, February 20 2013, 11:03AM
“In the 1950s Ray Rosewarn's barber shop in Twerton was a hub of political debate. This was where his debating skills were honed. Councillor Rosewarn went on to become a giant in Bath Labour Party politics. What a contribution he made!”
by matlaske
Wednesday, February 13 2013, 10:23AM
“A true and honest gentleman a no messing around chap just what this council needs now if you had a problem it was never to much for Ray always looking for scrap.He also gave a mean haircut when barbers were barbers and anything for the weekend sir”