Glastonbury council remembers Alderman John Coles

By Laura Linham 17th Jul 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 1 minutes ago

Glastonbury councillors have paid tribute to former mayor and Alderman John Coles, remembering a life devoted to the town.

Members shared personal memories of the former town and district councillor during a meeting of Glastonbury Town Council before observing a minute's silence and lighting the unity candle in his memory.

John served the community for around 40 years. He was mayor of Glastonbury twice, in 2006 and 2010, and represented Glastonbury St John's Ward on the former Mendip District Council.

He was first elected to the district council in 2007, retained his seat in 2011 and 2015, and stood down in 2019. He also served as vice-chairman of the authority and worked as an on-call firefighter in Glastonbury.

The formal tribute read at the meeting described John as a courteous and respected public servant whose judgement could always be relied upon.

"John's dedication, kindness and steadfast commitment to public service will be remembered with great affection by colleagues, friends and the many residents whose lives he touched," councillors were told.

"His legacy of service to Glastonbury will endure for many years to come."

Cllr Rik Cook remembered many conversations with John about cricket and the history of Glastonbury's railways.

"My God, did he know about trains," Cllr Cook said. "He's got photographs of all the yards and the station here — the whole lot."

He said John had also made films and built up an extensive collection recording the town's railway history.

"It was a hell of a collection he's got there for posterity," Cllr Cook said. "I hope it's going to be well looked after."

Other councillors remembered John's support for community organisations, his allotment and his ability to make people smile. A former firefighting colleague described him as a good firefighter who was liked by everyone he worked with.

The flag at Glastonbury Town Hall has been flown at half-mast following his death. Councillors stood in silence as the unity candle was lit jointly in his memory.

John's funeral will take place at St John's Church in Glastonbury at 10.30 am on Friday, 31 July. Those attending have been asked to wear something yellow in celebration of his life.