Tributes flood in for Spalding's Angela Newton amid calls to honour her
A campaigner has called on the authorities to honour Coun Angela Newton by naming part of the Johnson Hospital after her.
George Scott had joined forces with Coun Newton to fight the decision to axe Spalding GP Surgery, which has been based in the hospital.
Coun Newton died on August 30 aged 76, but Mr Scott has vowed to carry on the campaign in her honour.
Healthcare and the hospital were among the campaigns she fought for - and Mr Scott believes it would be good to recognise that in a lasting way.
He said: “I will put forward an idea that part of the hospital is named after her - they could surely name a ward quite easily.
“There probably should be a trust put forward somewhere that could do something in her memory - she certainly deserves it.
“There’s got to be a tribute to her so we don’t forget her.”
He described news of Coun Newton’s death as a ‘great shock’, adding: “I worked with her for many years and she really was a dedicated councillor for the area and will be very hard to replace with the energy she put in to her life’s work.
“My deepest condolences go to her family.”
News of Coun Newton’s death prompted tributes from a host of people who had worked with her over many years.
She had been a councillor since 1973 - but also took on many causes over the years - from the voluntary car scheme to Spalding In Bloom, town bus services, markets and more.
We featured many people in Thursday’s Spalding Guardian, but the tributes continued to come in after we went to press.
Colin Ward, of Live Promotions, said: “So very very sad. A true champion.
“Such a big loss for the area. During lockdown she helped our business in every way she could.”
Spalding Town Husbands chairman Robin Hancox offered his condolences to Angela’s family, friends, colleagues and the residents who she represented.
In a statement, the group said: “For twenty seven years Angela was a trustee of the Town Husbands appointed by South Holland District Council and played a very significant role in the running of the Spalding Almshouse Charity and Spalding Relief In Need Charity.
“She rarely missed a meeting and always contributed from her wealth of local knowledge of Spalding and the district and its residents for the significant benefit of both charities. Angela will be greatly missed by the Town Husbands, their staff and almshouse residents.”
'Angela had great drive and enthusiasm'
Fellow South Holland independent councillor Rob Gibson paid tribute to Coun Newton - and highlighted the help she has given him since becoming a councillor.
He said: “Over the last three years I have been guided and mentored by Angela.
“I have always admired the constant drive and enthusiasm to do the best for the residents of her ward and the wider area of South Holland.
“Angela was always available to assist myself and others.
“I will miss her experience and knowledge as a councillor and I will miss her guidance as a friend.”
Readers pay their tributes to Angela Newton
Our readers shared their heartfelt tributes to Coun Angela Newton after last week’s new broke.
Rodney Sadd wrote on Facebook: “I am shocked to hear the sad news of Angela’s passing.
“Although I stood against her over the years, Angela was my ward councillor and was an absolute stalwart for her community.
“I had lived in Monkshouse ward for over thirty years and Angela fought for so many good causes. We came together on many community issues over the years.
“I remember her saying, ‘you will never beat me’.
“Angela will be sorely missed and my thoughts are with her family at this time.”
Coun Rodney Grocock, writing on behalf of himself and wife Christine, wrote: “Gutted to hear this sad news. Although Coun Newton and I were opposites in our political views, I had great respect for her. She will be sadly missed by the residents of Spalding because she was behind every successful Spalding project. I would like to send our sincere condolences to Alan and all her family at this very sad time.”
Ant Howling wrote: “Angela was always approachable and fully giving of her time. She played a full part in the South Holland Spring Festival (encompassing the Spalding Flower Parade) for several years while I was the chair - and she had a wealth of ideas and an amazing amount of useful contacts! One of those very few people who honestly deserved her MBE! She will be much missed in and around the district. My thoughts are with her family and friends.”
Town trader Sue Stubley posted: “Angela was a wonderful person and councillor, she always had the peoples’ interest at heart, especially businesses. We have lost our greatest ally.”
Julie Grant tweeted to say: “I have known Angela for most of my adult life. A dedicated, genuine and hardworking woman who will be missed. My thoughts are with Alan and her family at this sad time. Fly high Angela.”
Markets body recognises Coun Newton's passion for the cause
The National Association of British Markets (NABMA) paid its tribute to Coun Newton in recognition of her passion for the cause.
A statement posted on Twitter read: “NABMA is sad to hear of the death of Councillor Angela Newton MBE of South Holland District Council - a past president and long serving member of NABMA with a record of public service stretching over 50 years. A true community champion, our thoughts are with her family and friends.”
Monday's Lincolnshire County Council planning and regulation committee also began with tributes to Coun Newton.
Coun Ian Fleetwood, of Bardney and Cherry Willingham said: “She worked with integrity, she was caring, she listened to debate and she did work for the benefit of the people in Lincolnshire.”
Coun Newton was a county councillor from 1981-1993 and 2013 to present, as well as a district councillor since 1973.
- How should Coun Newton be honoured? Email ideas to jeremy.ransome@iliffepublishing.co.uk