Angela Newton MBE, one of South Holland’s most well known politicians and community organisers, has died.
The 76-year-old passed away last night, South Holland District Council has confirmed today (August 31).
The former Gleed School pupil had dedicated her life to public service with this year being her 50th on South Holland District Council, currently representing the Monkhouse ward.
She also continued to be the leader of the Independent candidates on the council
Angela has also served on Lincolnshire County Council for 21 years having previously been elected to it from 1981 to 1993 before taking a break from there while she was chair of South Holland District Council for two years.
Among the voluntary groups she’s involved with are Spalding In Bloom, the Spalding Town Husbands Charity, Friends of Spalding Railway Station as well as chairing South Holland Voluntary Car Scheme, the recently set up Spalding Good Neighbours and the Johnson Hospital Community League of Friends.
She’s also been a member of the Welland and the Deepings Drainage Board, previously organised Spalding’s entry for the national In Bloom competition, got involved with Keep Britain Tidy and helped set up the Armed Forces Parade.
It was for her voluntary work that Angela was named an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List last year.
She continued to be as active as possible and had even spoken of potentially standing to be the area’s Member of Parliament at the next General Election.
Council Leader Gary Porter said: “Angela’s passing is a devastating shock for us all at South Holland District Council and no doubt for many residents she ably represented over the years.
“Angela’s tireless contribution to South Holland is well documented and the work Angela did in the community, including Spalding in Bloom, Spalding Town Husbands and the South Holland Voluntary Car Scheme was recognised in her being awarded an MBE in last year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours.
“Angela was a prominent political figure in the area and was first elected in 1973 and remained a South Holland district councillor ever since the authority was created. She was also the Council’s first female chairman.
“Everyone at South Holland District Council would like to offer their sincere condolences to Angela’s son Andrew, husband Alan, grandson Joseph and daughter-in-law Helen at this very difficult time. She will be sorely missed.”
