Louise Edginton: Tributes paid to former Bewdley mayor

Louise Edginton, who has been described as a "stalwart campaigner," passed away on Saturday, May 11.

Mrs Edginton served on a combination of Bewdley Town Council, Wyre Forest District Council and Worcestershire County for nearly 40 years and lived in the town approaching 70 years, serving as mayor in 2006 and bestowed Honorary Freeman in 2014.

Having moved from West Bromwich in 1956 to live on Severn Side North in Bewdley she was employed as the grocery shop manager at Grainger’s Grocery in Load Street.

She later moved to the new Wrensons Store as provisions manager and was then appointed the Manger of the new Finefare store on Load Street.

In 1981, when Finefare was closing she and her husband Ben took on the premises 54 Load Street and opened an independent grocery store.

She semi-retired in 1989 to look after her grandson Benjamin when Calne Edginton-White her daughter went back to teaching after maternity leave.

Louise Edginton (Image: Family handout)

Her daughter is currently a serving member of Bewdley Town Council and was previously a councillor for Wyre Forest District Council.

In a tribute, councillor Edginton-White said she was a "devoted wife for 76 years, mother and grandmother a truly exceptional person".

She said: “My mother was loving and caring an inspiration for me and many others throughout her life.

"I feel so privileged to have had the support and love of such a wonderful person.”

Bewdley Mayor, councillor Ian Latimer, said “Louise has worked so hard for everyone in Bewdley over a lifetime and it is with great sadness to hear of her passing. Her commitment whilst serving as a councillor could not have been beaten.”

Councillor Chris Rogers, chairman of Wyre Forest District Council said: "On behalf of the whole council, I would like to express my sympathy and deepest condolences to Louise’s family and friends.

"Our thoughts are with them at this sad time.”