news story

7th December 2007

Statement on the Death of Mrs Sue Gawler

Sue Gawler at the Thornbury Farmers' Market this autumn

Friends and family are this week mourning the tragic loss of much-loved community campaigner Mrs. Sue Gawler. Sue died unexpectedly this week at the age of 65 and leaves a husband, Cllr Howard Gawler, her adult son and daughter, David and Nicola and grandchildren. Sue was a passionate campaigner for the countryside and was the chair of the South Gloucestershire branch of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England.

She was a professional caterer whose home cooking often featured at social events around the local area as well as selling produce at farmers' markets in Thornbury and Chipping Sodbury. Sue was committed to helping others and was chairman of the Shopmobility group which has helped to provide wheelchairs for shoppers in Yate and is about to provide a similar service in Thornbury.

Closer to home in Iron Acton she had served as a parish councillor, was the bookings secretary for Rangeworthy Village Hall, and was actively involved in the WI across the area. She was also local organiser for 'Razzle', the rural and community touring arts scheme for South Gloucestershire. In 2000 she won an award for 'hero of Gloucestershire' in recognition of her service to local people.

Local MP Steve Webb said:

"Sue was a special person who was hugely committed to serving the local community in so many different ways. Everywhere you go in our area you find a group that Sue was involved in, and she will be much missed by everyone who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with Howard and the family at this very sad time".

Jean Capstick, chair of Thornbury & Yate Liberal Democrats and a close family friend said:

"Sue's contribution to the local community has been huge, and she will be desperately missed by so many people in so many different areas of the local community".