TRIBUTES have been paid to a well-respected Bromsgrovian and former Bailiff of the town’s Court Leet who has died aged 86.
Michael Leonard Clements was born on February 22, 1935, in Bromsgrove where his family ran the signage and flag manufacturing firm Clements Brothers, based on the Kidderminster Road near the then Perry Hall Hotel.
Michael was educated at Bromsgrove School and was in Lupton House before embarking on a long and distinguished career in sales and marketing with various non-ferrous metal suppliers including Gusums Bruk, Peter Crowe, Expressway Metals and McKecknie Limited.
Alongside his wife Jean, Mike was the joint owner and director of AG Barnes Flags Ltd, based on the Sanders Industrial Estate and later Up the Pole Ltd in Catshill. They employed local people and had a reputation for high quality, traditionally sewn flags.
Mike served on the Bromsgrove Urban District Council in the 1960s and, outside work, was a dedicated member of many local organisations including the Bromsgrove Round Table, the 41 Club, the Boars and Royal Naval Association.
A keen sportsman, Mike also played rugby, cricket and hockey for Bromsgrove.
Fred Clements, Mike’s uncle, was elected Bailiff of the Bromsgrove Court Leet in 1956 and introduced Mike to the Court in the late 1970s.
As a member of the Court Leet Jury, Mike held the position of Ale Taster for a couple of years, was elected Reeve in 1986 and Bailiff in 1987. He enjoyed many active years in the Court before his health restricted him from attending.
Michael passed away peacefully, at home with his family on March 16.
His family said he was a loving family man, father and grandfather.
He will be missed and fondly remembered by all his family, friends, and those who had been connected with Mike through the many local organisations he gave his time and commitment to.
His wife Jean who passed away in 2006.
