Tributes paid to former Newark and Sherwood District Council director

A former director of planning and development at Newark and Sherwood District Council, Christopher Perrett, has died aged 75, after a short illness.

Mr Perrett, who is survived by loving wife Celia, was at the council until he was made redundant aged 55.

Celia, his wife of 32 years, described her husband as a very busy man, even in retirement, and a big presence in every way.

Mr Perrett trained as a reader in the Church of England, becoming a licensed reader shortly afterwards.

“It was a calling that he had. He was very compassionate,” said Celia.

He was also a member of various committees, including the Bishop’s Council and the Royal Planning Institute, and sang with the Radcliffe Male Voice Choir for 20 years.

The couple lived in Grassthorpe.

Celia said Chris had a unique voice.

“Everybody loved to hear him speak,” she said. “You always knew he was there.”