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Tribute paid to former Southwell Town Councillor Mrs Beryl Prentice following her death




Tributes have been paid to a town councillor who gave her all for Southwell, was visible and vocal and never wavered in commitment, following her sudden death.

Mrs Beryl Prentice, 81, a former chairman of the council, put community over politics, said her daughter, Alex Byrne.

Beryl Prentice. Credit: James Turner (37559979)
Beryl Prentice. Credit: James Turner (37559979)

Mrs Prentice moved to Southwell in 2000 with her late husband, Barry, after her son, Chris, had settled there. Alex later followed from London with her family.

Mrs Prentice served Lib Dem councillor, then an independent and had shown interest in joining Labour following the election of leader Keir Starmer.

“Her drive was always to make Southwell a better place to live,” said Alex. “I would say that she was a linchpin of the council.

“She would take every opportunity and had so much energy for everything that she did.”

Even though she was shielding due to her age, Beryl was active with the Southwell Torpedoes, which is the town’s response to covid-19, right up until her death.

She was involved with Southwell Live At Home, Green Southwell, the historical society, the civic society, flood forum, the forming of the neighbourhood plan, and the trust that manages the leisure centre.

She was also an exam invigilator and was responsible for bringing the funday and fairs to the Burgage and the annual Southwell Lantern Parade.

She had also been working with the council on developing Southwell market and broadening its appeal.

Alex said that she had been humbled by all the emails she had received from residents and organisations telling her what her mother meant to them.

“She was always visible, always vocal and gave 100% of herself to Southwell,” said Alex.

“She related so well with people. Years and years as a PE teacher gave her that rapport with people.”

Town council chairman Lyn Harris said: “It was a terrible shock. Right up until the Friday that she died we were still exchanging emails and talking together, but that was Beryl.

“Beryl was a hard working town councillor, committed to making life better for Southwell residents.”

Lyn said Beryl was always encouraging to fellow councillors and had worked tirelessly for many organisations.

Beryl leaves sons Chris and Jon, and daughter Alex, son-in-law Tony Byrne, daughters-in-law Jane Pillinger and Stella Palazzo, and grandchildren Holly, James, Max, Thomas and Will.

Her funeral will be at the Oxton green burial ground and subject to restrictions, but a celebration of her life is planned for when it is safe.



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