Town united in grief as ex-mayor dies

 

FAMILY, friends and fellow councillors united in grief for a “unique and irreplaceable” former Great Yarmouth mayor. Sue Robinson died on Tuesday, aged 62, at James Paget University Hospital where she was being treated for kidney failure. Mrs Robinson won widespread admiration for her dedication and commitment throughout her term as mayor, which ended earlier this year. It was the culmination of more than a decade of public service for the veteran councillor, who suffered from severe mobility problems.

During her year in office, Mrs Robinson established the Mayor's Civic Awards recognising and celebrating the achievements of people in the community and business.   Borough council leader Barry Coleman led the tributes to Mrs Robinson saying he was “devastated” by the news of her death. “Sue was a lovely person and dedicated councillor and did a tremendous amount to show that there is nothing that disabled people cannot do,” he said. “She was an old-fashioned type of councillor who put other people first - I had the great privilege of seconding her as mayor, which I considered a great honour.”

Current mayor Paul Garrod recalled how Mrs Robinson had given him valuable advice about taking on the chains of office: “Sue told me to be myself and give my all to the role - I have greatly missed her not being able to serve as my deputy through illness. “You would not get a better person in the world. She was a lovely woman and will be sorely missed by myself, fellow councillors and the town of Great Yarmouth. “Sue was happy-go-lucky, a real grafter and a Yarmouth girl through and through - my condolences go out to her family, especially her mum.”

 

Yarmouth born and bred, Mrs Robinson was elected to Nelson ward in 1995 as a Labour councillor and served on several committees. She was a former pupil of Greenacre School where she later served as a school governor and helped set up South Yarmouth Community Centre in Peggotty Road.

Labour group leader Trevor Wainwright said Mrs Robinson had given invaluable support to him over the years. “Sue was the sort of person you could talk to and get advice from - she was a unique and irreplaceable and will be sorely missed. “Sue was an outstanding mayor. She was apprehensive about taking on the role, but did a remarkable job,” he added. “It must have been difficult with her disability, but she never complained or turned down an engagement.”

 

The mum-of-two had to cope with becoming disabled after the death her husband William 18 years ago, developing tuberculosis of the bone in her ankle and later osteoarthritis. She is survived by her 88-year-old mother Beatrice, daughter Kerry Payne, son William and four grandchildren.

Daughter Kerry said the family had been comforted by the messages of support they had received from countless well-wishers. 

She said: “The phone has not stopped ringing because she was so loved and gave such a lot to the town.

 

“Mum was very kind, caring, loved a laugh and would do anything for you - everyone who met her said what a lovely person she was.

 

“She loved Yarmouth. It was her proudest moment to be mayor of the borough and an experience she would have not have changed for the world.

 

“She got the nickname of Motor Mayor, through being on her mobility scooter, and that is how people will remember her.

 

“When I was growing up, Mum was always running things or organising street parties and if there was something that needed arranging she would do it.

 

“She was an inspiration and often when I came home there was someone pouring their heart out to her.

 

“She had been making good progress in hospital and was looking forward to coming home so this was a massive shock.”

 

Mayor's secretary Laura Goodman provided support to Mrs Robinson throughout her year in office.

She said: “Sue was an amazing lady, a special friend and priceless to know and work for.”

 

The service is being held at St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Regent Road at 10am on Thursday 23^rd August.  Fellow councillors and civic leaders will join family members and friends paying their respects to the councillor. Members of the public are welcome to join mourners at the funeral mass.

TS Fearless 901 Troop Marine Cadets will form a guard of honour outside Yarmouth Town Hall on the route of the funeral procession to Gorleston cemetery. Mrs Robinson will be cremated and laid to rest with her late husband William at the cemetery.