Axminster mourns former mayor and theatre devotee

Axminster has been saddened by the death of former mayor Michael Steer who was the town's First Citizen for two terms – between 1979 and 1981 and 1987 and 1989.

 Mr Steer was hugely proud of his Axminster heritage and was a much respected and well-liked councillor who served the town and community with dignity, discretion and diligence.

 He was a admirer of Harry Dutfield, the founder of Axminster Carpets, and worked for the company for many years. He also managed Axminster Abbeyfield  and was a key member of Axminster Conservative Club where he was secretary for many years.

 Mr Steer, however, will be best remembered for his love of the theatre, staging many shows over the years for Axminster Drama and then the Alternative Theatre Company. His particularly forte was the musical hall genre, very much in the Danny La Rue mode.

His death after along illness was announced on social media by Axminster Town Council. The Mayor, Cllr Jill Farrow, said: "I didn't have the honour of knowing Michael Steer, but I know from those who did that he was a diligent servant of this town.  He will be greatly missed."

Philip Evans writes: "I first met Michael when I was a pupil at St Michael's Primary School in Lyme Regis. He was a pupil at Colyton Grammar School and was on some sort of work experience. I remembered being impressed by his enthusiasm and kindness. He was a good role model. 

"In later life when I was a young reporter on Pulman's Weekly News covering Axminster, we rubbed shoulders on many occasions, mainly when I was covering the many stage shows he ran at the Guildhall, raising many thousands of pounds over the years. Who can forget his renderings of "On Mother Kelly's Doorstep?"

"He was inordinately proud of his Axminster background, particularly his long service at Axminster Carpets, and there were few aspects of local life that didn't benefit from Michael's love of his home town. He was hugely proud of serving the community as town mayor for two terms."