Community mourns three of its finest
TRIBUTES have been paid to three pillars of the Hyndburn community who have died within days of each other.
Long serving councillor Wendy Dwyer, who gave 23 years of service and was made an honorary alderman in May, passed away in hospital.
Her death came just days after Accrington Lions stalwart Frank Crabtree, who ran the Christmas Grotto at Oswaldtwistle Mills, passed away following a cancer operation.
The community was also this week remembering Len Myerscough, retired chairman of the Great Harwood branch of the British Legion, who died after an illness.
Len was a member of the branch for more than 30 years and served for a total of 15 years as its chairman.
Former prison officer Frank was one of the most active members of the Accrington Lions, which he joined in 2003, and did many fundraising runs to support the club.
Wendy, who lived on Stanley Street in Accrington for more than 50 years, was involved with numerous groups, including the Homeless in Hyndburn Group.
Hyndburn council leader Miles Parkinson paid tribute to the contributions of all three.
He said: “The main aspect is all these individuals contributed, not just to public service but to volunteering in many different organisations, and to the fundraising, and engagement and enjoyment of the community.” SEE pages 3, 12 & 13
TRIBUTES have been paid to a former long-serving councillor and ‘inspirational mother’ who has passed away.
Wendy Dwyer served as Peel ward councillor in Accrington and was a former chairman of Lancashire County Council.
She stepped down at the local elections this year after a combined 23 years’ service and was made an Honorary Alderman in May.
Mother-of-five Wendy passed away in hospital on Monday, July 25, aged 81 and the cause of death is not yet known.
Her daughter Sandra Dwyer said they are ‘devastated’ at her death.
Speaking on behalf of the family, she told the Observer: “We couldn’t be more proud of mum and all that she was and all that she did for Accrington and Lancashire over many years.
“She was an inspirational woman but she was also our mother and we feel the loss. We are devastated personally because we have lost our beloved mother.”
Wendy, who lived on Stanley Street in Accrington for more than 50 years, was involved with numerous groups, including Homeless in Hyndburn Group.
She was also the chair- man of Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Parkinson’s Support Group, which she set up 10 years ago, and chairman of the Helping Hands charity, which helps improve the lives of hundreds of Accrington residents.
The lifelong dog-lover was also a valued volunteer at the Credit Union in Accrington’s Market Hall.
Sandra, who lives in Leicestershire, has thanked Wendy’s council and charity colleagues and friends for their thoughts and tributes.
She said: “We are thrilled by all the kind and wonderful things the councillors are saying and all the people from the charities she ran and was involved with.
“We are very, very grateful for people’s love and support.
She leaves her daughters Sandra Dwyer, Kathryn Dwyer and Nina Dwyer, sons Mark and Paul Dwyer, two granddaughters, one grandson and one great-granddaughter.
Civic flags around the borough were flown at half mast in memory of Wendy.
Sandra said no date has yet been set for the funeral, however it will be open to the public to attend. For information on the funeral arrangements contact Hyndburn Funeral Services on Queens Road in Accrington.