Thanks after tributes for former Shropshire judge
The wife of a former Shropshire judge has thanked all who have paid tribute to her husband Michael Mander, who died recently aged 81.
Jancis Mander said: “I have received so many cards and messages and tried to reply to them all. I just want to thank everyone for their support.”
Lord Lieutenant Sir Algernon Heber-Percy especially praised Judge Mander for his role as a Deputy Lieutenant of Shropshire and his service to the county.
Judge Mander was well known in the county as a lawyer, barrister and then for 16 years, as a judge. And he also made headlines as the first judge to use a portable computer in court.
While away from legal matters, he was a member of the Magic Circle, a keen magician for local charities and both he and his wife were well known as Wrekin walkers and keen swimmers in their pool in the village of Garmston.
But they knew each other very much longer than that. Indeed one precious photograph shows Jancis aged four with Michael, aged eight months.
Their parents were friends and the couple’s own friendship led to romance and finally, to marriage. In recent times, the former Judge Mander moved to live in Much Wenlock, near to his wife who is in a Bridgnorth care home.
Now, his ashes are to be scattered beneath a walnut tree at Cuan Wild Rescue in Much Wenlock, which cares for and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned wild animals and birds, treating around 3,500 of them a year.
The Manders have been great supporters of the charity, which costs £180,000 a year to run.
Jancis said of her husband’s death: “He didn’t want a fuss. But it would be very kind of people to thank God for his life and remember him in their hearts and minds.”
