Tributes for ex-Basingstoke mayor Martin Biermann

Martin Biermann, Former Councillor, Passes Away

Martin Biermann, the former independent councillor for Chineham from 1994 to 2015, has died after battling two brain tumours.

Career and Contributions

Mr. Biermann was a founding member of the Chineham Parish Council. He also served on the Old Basing Parish Council and was the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane from 2012 to 2013.

He was known for his commitment to the environment and the community. He helped establish Loddon Community Energy and supported organizations like Doctors Without Borders and Greenpeace.

According to his dedication website, Martin spent his final days at St Michael’s Hospice. He continued to express his desire to support WaterAid after seeing their recent appeals.

Tributes from Colleagues

Council Leader Cllr Paul Harvey shared on Facebook: “Before Christmas, we lost a good friend and colleague, Martin Biermann. Martin was an Independent Councillor for Chineham for over twenty years and a former Mayor of Basingstoke & Deane. He was a good man, a man of integrity, someone I looked up to and respected greatly.”

He added, “He was brave when we needed him on complex issues like Manydown. He was a champion on climate and ecological issues long before they were mainstream. He will be missed by so many people.”

Community Involvement

Mr. Biermann was a producer of Spotlight in Chineham and served as a governor for Four Lanes Infant School from 1982 to 2017. He also contributed to the governing body for Great Binfields Primary School until his passing.

Cllr Stacy Hart from the All in Party expressed sadness over his loss: “We are incredibly saddened by the loss of Martin Biermann: former Independent Councillor for and Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, environmental champion, and stalwart community volunteer.”

Personal Life

Mr. Biermann was born in Manchester in 1945 to an English mother and a German father. He lived in Chineham from 1978 with his wife Chansopha. He had two daughters, Fiona and Emma, and two grandchildren.

He began his career as an engineering apprentice at 14. He later worked in product design and heavy engineering sales. His career included travel across Europe for an export role. In 1988, he launched a print business called Personalised Print.

Legacy and Support

His wife founded Linguatastics, a language teaching school, where Mr. Biermann was an active member. Linguatastic posted on Facebook: “He was a passionate internationalist and believed that communication is the key to harmony.”

In an interview with The Gazette in July 2014, he stated he would like his epitaph to be, “He made a positive difference.”

Cllr Sajish Tom remarked: “He was a truly simple and down-to-earth person. Heartfelt condolences on his passing. Martin will always be remembered fondly by the Basingstoke community.”

His family has requested that support be directed to The Brain Tumour Charity, St Michael’s Hospice, and WaterAid.

Summary of Martin Biermann’s Life