Former Beccles mayor and councillor Douglas Peck dies

Douglas Peck was a well-known Beccles character, who served as a town councillor for 17 years from 1999 to 2016, and was mayor in 2002-03.

Known as Dougie he died last week at the age of 93.

The Beccles town flag is flying at half mast as a tribute in an act performed when former mayors die.

Councillor Jeff Harris served on Beccles Town Council with Mr Peck for many years.

Douglas Peck when he was newly appointed mayor with his wife Sybil in 2002 (Image: Nick Butcher)

Mr Harris said: "He was wonderful, he was always helping everybody however he could when needed.

"Dougie continued doing this well into his 90s, he was totally committed to the town and everything about it for all of his life.

"Dougie maintained his relationship with the town hall years after he finished as a town councillor.  

"He was the man who put up the posters around the council notice boards, maintained the war memorial site immaculately for many years, and did many of the odd jobs around the town.  

Jack Walmsley choosing paint with town councillor Douglas Peck taken in 2002 by Bill Darnell (Image: Bill Darnell)

"Dougie kept the old clock in the chamber at slightly the wrong time for years and when he finally retired, part of his leaving gift was the old clock

"He couldn't sit still, he never stopped working and giving back.

"I would say he was a remarkable man who quietly got on with jobs for everybody else's benefit, anything which needed doing he did it.

"It is a great loss and very sad news and my thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time, we are all devastated."

Mr Peck had been married to Sybil, who died in 2019. They had celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary in 2016.

Douglas Peck acknowledges his Beccles Rotary Club community award, presented by president Tony Bubb. (Image: Roy Strowger)
At the time of picture taken in 2002: Beccles Town Mayor Douglas Peck with his wreath at the Beccles Remembrance service. (Image: Nick Butcher)