Tributes to ‘wonderful one-off’ who raised thousands for charity
MARION WAS CHAIRMAN OF LOUGHBOROUGH IN BLOOM AND COUNCILLOR
TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-respected and well-liked community activist who has died after a short illness, aged 72.
Marion Smith, the chairman of Loughborough in Bloom, was involved in many charitable and voluntary organisations, being especially active in helping organise the Bloom local neighbourhood groups.
She served a term as a Charnwood Borough councillor for Southfields ward and was a school governor at Mountfields Lodge for more than 30 years.
Marion was an excellent fundraiser. She raised money for John Storer House and its allotment project, Loughborough Town of Sanctuary and Loughborough Labour Party, often by baking cakes or through the sale of honey or plants from her garden in Herrick Road, Loughborough.
She was also well-known for giving talks about bees and bee-keeping to many local organisations.
Marion, together with a few local neighbours, was instrumental in raising several thousand pounds for charity through the National Garden Scheme.
She also sat on various university committees as a lay member and was a trustee of the Dawson and Fowler Foundation.
One of Marion’s big achievements was to help in the renovation of Unity House, in Fennel Street. It was through her efforts the building was put on a firm financial footing, resulting in the upgrade of the façade in 2018 of one of Loughborough’s Victorian buildings in the Churchgate conservation area.
Her efforts for the Labour Party were recognised with a personal letter from leader Sir Keir Starmer during her recent short illness.
Marion’s father’s family originally came from South Wales and what is not so well-known is that in her younger days she was an international athlete representing Wales at 800m and cross-country.
She also held various club records for Charnwood Athletic Club in the late 1970s and before that was the Northern Counties women’s 800m champion during her time studying pharmacy at Bradford University.
Marion worked as a hospital pharmacist for the NHS and then as a locum at various pharmacies in Loughborough, while raising her four children. She used to joke she was the most well-known local drug dealer.
She worked at this profession for over 40 years with only a short 18-month break when the family moved to Monterey, in California, for her husband Roger’s job.
Marion was that rare person who always thought of others before herself, something that was instilled in her partly as a result of her Salvation Army upbringing and her work with the NHS; this helped form her political beliefs.
Because of the Covid-19 crisis, a celebration of Marion’s life will be held later in the year when meeting restrictions have been lifted.
Stuart Brady, who stood as the Labour candidate for the Loughborough seat at the last General Election, said in tribute: “My family and I were very sad to hear of Marion Smith’s passing.
“Marion was a wonderful one-off. Endless energy, compassion and fun to contribute to myriad causes across Loughborough. She was the embodiment of the very special and supportive community that Loughborough is lucky to have.”
Councillor Hilary Fryer, deputy chair to Marion on the Loughborough in Bloom Board, said: “Marion was one of the best chairs I have ever worked with.
“Marion was a good friend, we shared a similar sense of humour.
“Marion worked so hard on behalf of Loughborough, especially with Loughborough in Bloom, which was key to winning many awards.
“You rarely saw Marion without a smile on her face. We enjoyed many good times together over the years and I, like many others, will miss her dreadfully.
“My thoughts go to all her family and many friends and colleagues.” ‘SHE DID SO MUCH FOR THE COMMUNITY AND ALL WITH A SMILE’: Marion Smith, who has died after a short illness
Mike Jones, vice-chair of Loughborough in Bloom’s community participation group, said: “Marion has been a great leader of Loughborough in Bloom for the last few years, putting in an enormous amount of time to make life brighter and happier for local people and visitors to the town. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and worked with her.”
Andy Rush editor of our sister paper the Loughborough Echo, who worked with Marion for Loughborough in Bloom, said: “Marion was a brilliant chair for Bloom. She did so much for the community and all with a smile and warm humour. She will be missed very much.”
Coun Jonathan Morgan, leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “It’s very sad to hear this news and my thoughts are with Marion’s family and friends during this time.
“Marion was a very active member of the community and this was reflected in her work as a local councillor. She will be missed.”
TWELVE community groups have benefitted from Tesco’s Covid-19 Community Fund.
A total of £6,000 has been given to groups across Leicester as part of the retailer’s £30 million package of support.
Groups which have benefitted include Chroma Church Food Bank, Open Hands Trust, Raedan Institute, Zinthiya Trust and Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland.
The supermarket is inviting more groups in Leicester to apply for its £500 grants.
Keith Jackson, Bags of Help manager at Tesco, said: “Due to the sustained need for the emergency support we’re seeing from community groups, we took the decision to extend the scheme’s deadline beyond the original 12-week mark.
“Whether you are from a homeless charity, a foodbank, or a support network for vulnerable individuals, you could qualify for some immediate financial support.”
MARKET Harborough and the Bowdens Charity (MHBC) is making plans for a Wellbeing Centre to be built on unused land at its allotments site in Northampton Road.
Trustee Gordon Kellie said he is keen to hear from organisations that could be part of the scheme.
He said: “It is very early days, but we are working with Loros to assess the feasibility of establishing a Wellbeing Centre here in Harborough.
“It would be built in Northampton Road on land not being used by our allotment holders and would not impact on them.
“As well as Loros, it could provide a permanent home for the Jubilee Food Bank.
“We are keen to hear from other charities operating in Harborough which could be part of this initiative.”
To discuss the project, call Gordon on 01858 419128, or e-mail:
GARDENS are being opened to visitors in aid of charity.
As part of the National Garden Scheme, people who have booked in advance can visit the following:
■■July 12: 28, Ashby Road Hinckley: a 150ft garden behind a post-war house packed with plants and colour.
■■July 18 and 19: Mountain Ash, 140 Ulverscroft Lane, Newtown Linford; a two-acre south west-facing garden with excellent views across a wide area of Charnwood countryside.
The garden includes patios, water features, flower and shrub beds, fruit trees, greenhouses, soft fruit cage and raised vegetable beds.
To ensure the safety of visitors and garden owners all visitors must book and buy tickets in advance.
Go to the website: