Long serving councillor Florence ‘Florrie’ Newell of March – and formerly of Chatteris – has died, aged 84. Cllr James Carney described her as a staunch supporter of the Chatteris community having been involved in “many projects that Chatteris has in place today”.
Mrs Newell served on the town (formerly parish) council for 43 years and was chairman for 16 years.
Cllr Carney said Florrie had worked tirelessly in support of Chatteris and he said some of her proudest achievements were helping to bring a library, the George Clare surgery, and the leisure centre to the town.
“All of these she threw her support behind to ensure the town saw them coming to fruition,” he said.
Her service as a district councillor came to an end in 2019 when she lost her Slade Lode seat to an independent, Daniel Divine.
She told the Fenland Citizen after her defeat: “To say this is a disappointment is an understatement.
“I have worked extremely hard helping people and spent a lot my time and effort to have this result. “It is going to take me a lot to get over this.”
A statement from Chatteris town council today said: “It is with deep sadness that we note the death of former long-standing councillor for Chatteris, Florence Newell.
“Florence was a parish (and town) councillor for over 40 years and also served on Fenland District Council for many years. She was the longest serving chairman of Chatteris Parish Council taking on the role for 16 years.”
Her funeral will be held next Tuesday (9th January) at 11am at Chatteris parish church.
Florrie was the widow of the late Keith, and mum to Joanna, Cathryn, Paul, Simon, and Jeremy.
The funeral service will be followed by private interment at Muchwood Green Burial Ground at Ramsey.
Family flowers only have been requested and donations in her memory for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice (EACH) may be made at the service, online at www.turnerandson.co.uk or sent to Turner & Son, Independent Funeral Directors, City Road, March, Cambs.
