Stamford Mercury village correspondent for Weldon, Lily Phillips, dies aged 86

Long-time Stamford Mercury village correspondent Lily Phillips has died, aged 86.

Lily began supplying news from Weldon in the late 1990s before handing over the reins to David Fursdon about five years ago.

She carried out the role while working part-time in the village post office, and was also village correspondent for the Northampton Evening Telegraph.

Lily was born in Bulwick on New Year's Eve, 1935 and started her working life at New Lodge Farm.

She met her husband Alan on a bus going to a dance in King's Cliffe and the couple set up home in Weldon soon after marrying in March 1956.

An active member of the Weldon community, she held several roles in Weldon Women’s Institute, including treasurer and secretary, and was chairman until its closure.

Lily also served as show secretary for Corby Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society and was a keen knitter.

As well as Alan, Lily leaves a daughter Susan, grandson Robert and great-grandchildren Jace and Freya.

Her funeral takes place at 11am tomorrow (Wednesday) at Kettering Crematorium.