Tributes have been paid to Coun Angela Newton MBE, one of South Holland’s best known local politicians and community organisers, who has died.
The 76-year-old passed away overnight on Tuesday, August 30.
A former Gleed School pupil, she had dedicated her life to public service with this year being her 50th serving 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 also served on Lincolnshire County Council for 21 years having previously been elected to it from 1981 to 1993 before taking a break while she was chairman of South Holland District Council for two years.
Among the voluntary groups she was involved with are Spalding In Bloom, 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 was also a member of the Welland and the Deepings Drainage Board, previously organised Spalding’s entry for the national In Bloom competition, was involved with Keep Britain Tidy and helped set up the Armed Forces Parade.
It was for her voluntary work that Angela was named as an MBE recipient 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.”
Angela met her husband Alan at the Red Lion Hotel in Spalding in 1977.
In 1984, their business AP Sales launched with auctions of small livestock and fruit and vegetables on the former Cattle Market (now Holland Market).
The company quickly expanded and moved from its first premises in Winsover Road to New Road. It went on to become one of Spalding’s most recognised estate agents.
Angela carried on after Alan retired until the couple, who have one son Andrew, sold the business to Hill and Clark in October 2012.
Coun Marianne Overton leader of the Independents on Lincolnshire County Council said: “I am very sorry to hear of the sudden loss of Coun Angela Newton. She was an amazing woman with enormous dedication to make life better for residents, recognised in her well deserved MBE.
“Always conscientious, Angela could be relied upon to stand up for the members in her group and her residents, with a thoughtful tactical approach, determination and tenacity for as long as it takes.
“She was preparing to stand as MP in the next election and I promised to support her.
“Despite big wins such as getting the route of the bypass changed, she never lost her personal commitment to individual residents, for example, working as a voluntary driver taking people to medical facilities. Angela set tremendously high standards as a councillor and I feel proud and honoured to have known and worked with her.
“Sincere condolences to her family, husband Alan and son Andrew, from the Lincolnshire Independent Councillors.”
Social media was flooded with tributes to Angela when the news was made public last Wednesday.
“I can’t find the right words, Angela is irreplaceable. A huge loss to her family, the whole district and the independent movement in South Holland,” said former council member Paul Foyster.
