TRIBUTES have been paid to former Droitwich Spa Mayor and town and district councillor Glenise Noyes who passed away after a short illness.
She died yesterday afternoon (Tuesday) with her husband Tom, also a former mayor and town and district councillor, and son Joe by her side.
Glenise was first elected onto Wychavon District Council in 2011 and onto Droitwich Town Council in 1999 and had just being re-elected onto both authorities.
She was known for standing up for what she believed in and fought for many causes, including against the controversial proposals to build an incinerator in Worcestershire.
She was Droitwich Spa Mayor between 2008 and 2009, selecting the Norbury Theatre, St Richard’s Hospice and Droitwich Young Firefighters as her three chosen charities.
She backed the theatre as her family have been members there for a number of years and chose to support Young Firefighters in recognition of their hard work and dedication.
Her decision to raise cash for the hospice came after the charity cared for her brother-in-law and close family friend before they died. During her year as mayor, she organised and attended a variety of events, including the opening of St Peter’s First School reception, the third largest flower show in the world at Bad Ems, Droitwich’s twin town, and she also got to meet her political hero Ann Widdecombe.
Droitwich Spa Mayor Graham Beale said it was with great sadness that he heard the news. “I have always found Glenise able to giggle about absolutely everything, often stopping midway through a sentence to see the funny side.
“She was able to rise above the ordinary and never seemed to get annoyed, even at the most taxing of times. “Glenise really enjoyed her involvement in politics from fighting the proposed incinerator in the 1990s to being mayor in 2008.”
He added the fact she had been re-elected to both town and district council showed how highly thought of she was.
“She will be missed by many.”
Fellow former mayor, Coun Bob Brookes, said: “She was elated at having been re-elected, and looking forward to resuming her duties as a town and district councillor for Droitwich Spa.
“I, and my fellow Councillors are all shocked and devastated by this unexpected turn of events. “Our thoughts and sympathy go out to her husband, Coun Tom Noyes, and her son, Joe.”
Anne Lane, Chairman of the Norbury Theatre, said: “It’s terribly sad news – she was a terrific supporter of the Norbury.
“We will miss her greatly, she came to virtually everything we put on – not just in a mayoral or councillor capacity, but generally.
“Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Tom and Joseph.”
Local businesswoman Karen Tomalin who stood at the recent election praised Glenise, saying she inspired her to get into local politics.
A minute’s silence will be held at tonight’s Wychavon District Council meeting and at the next town council meeting, where the mayoral chain will be covered with black gauze as a mark of respect.
