Benchmark for former Pershore councillor

Buy photos » A new bench in St Andrew’s Garden is to be named in honour of former Pershore town councillor Win Summerton who died of cancer in 2003. (s)

A MUCH-LOVED former councillor who dedicated much of her life to Pershore is set to be honoured again in the town.

Win Summerton's name will appear on a commemorative bench in St Andrew's Garden paid for by the Pershore and District Royal Naval Association.

A long-serving town councillor, Mrs Summerton along with then fellow councillor Victor John Smith spearheaded the campaign to build Pershore's first ever swimming pool in the 1970s. She died of cancer in 2003.

Mrs Summerton was also instrumental in the creation of the town's Heritage Centre and a room inside the centre is named after her.

At a full town council meeting held on Thursday (April 12) councillors approved for the bench tribute to be made.

Close friend Trudy Burge told the Observer she was delighted a bench will be named in Win's honour.

"John Smith is known as Mr Pershore and I feel that Win was Mrs Pershore as she dedicated both her work and her free time to the youth of this town," she said.

"It broke my heart when Win died of cancer in July 2003 as I lost a very dear friend and an avid supporter. I learnt an awful lot from Win.

"I thank both the RNA and Pershore Town Council from the bottom of my heart for allowing this tribute to be made. I'm sure that Pershore stalwarts will be delighted to know that this noble lady who did so much for the town is having a public memorial.

"St Andrew's Garden is the perfect place for it because it is quiet and peaceful, just like Win was when I knew her."

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