TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Mayor of Droitwich and Wychavon District Council chairman who passed away on Sunday (September 27) at the age of 78.
Coun Eileen Hope spent 28 years on the town council and was mayor in 1982 and 1985 and chairman of the town’s Community and Amenities Committee.
She also served on Wychavon District Council from 1979 to 2007 and was the first person to become the chairman of the authority twice, taking the role in 1990/91 and again in 1999/2000. During that time she led the Millennium Civic Service in Pershore Abbey.
Members of Droitwich Town Council held a minute’s silence for her at Monday’s meeting.
Speaking about her life, Coun Jan Bolton said: “I thought she was a fantastic representative for the town.
“If it hadn’t been for her and Don Lawley, I wouldn’t have got onto the council.
“She was a great credit to Droitwich – she did so much for the town all the time.”
Coun Richard Morris, who represents Droitwich Spa South East on Wychavon, said: “Eileen was instrumental to me being a councillor and acted much as my mentor.
“She influenced me to stand and when she stood down from Wychavon, she did what she could to ensure I took her seat.
“She was a person who lit up any occasion and worked hard for her residents.”
Eileen’s daughter Debbie Strang said her highlight as her time as chairman was escorting Princess Margaret on a visit to Evesham in 1990 when she opened the town’s new shopping centre.
“The Princess had a formidable reputation for not suffering fools gladly but she thanked mum for just being herself and not putting on airs and graces.
“My mum always had the interests of the community at heart and felt it was her duty to help others whenever possible.
“Being a councillor meant everything to her and it is fair to say it filled her life.”
Debbie described her as a ‘strong, vibrant woman who loved life and people’.
“She was a wonderful mother and granny who never hesitated to make the very long journey North to spend time with her family,” she added.
A spokesperson for Droitwich Town Council said the authority’s thoughts were with the family at this sad time.
Eileen lived in Droitwich for more than 50 years after moving there from Pershore, before relocating to Scotland three years ago to be closer to her family.
She had many passions and was a keen supporter of Droitwich Spa Boys Football Club. She also founded the Droitwich Twinning Association and chaired Droitwich Ladies Circle.
Eileen started work as a librarian in the Worcestershire mobile library before moving to work part-time in Droitwich library.
Eileen is survived by her husband Graham – a former stalwart of the Droitwich Round Table and who supported her throughout her political career and endeavours – her daughter Debbie, who founded the award-winning Shetland Reel Gin and her two grandchildren Tom, 18, and Emily, 12.
Everyone is welcome to Eileen Hope’s funeral which will take place at Worcester Crematorium at 12.15pm next Monday (October 12).
