A MINUTE’S silence will be held during a Full Council meeting tomorrow in memory of former Leader of the Council who died last Tuesday.

Members and officers at the Forest Council say they are deeply saddened to hear Marion Winship, who represented Alvington, Aylburton and West Lydney for 12 years until May 2015, had lost her six-month battle with motor neurone disease.

Council chairman, Jane Horne said: “Marion was an efficient and intelligent councillor who contributed a great deal to the work of the council. She will be greatly missed by her many friends within the council.”

Councillor Marrilyn Smart worked alongside Mrs Winship for nine years and described her as a highly respected and diligent councillor.

She said: “I first met Marion in 2006 when I won the by-election. A year later she became leader of the council as I became chairman. One thing that should be acknowledged is it was her suggestion to start the Pride of the Forest awards in 2007, which champions unsung heroes in the community.

“She was also extremely supportive when the 1 Rifles were on tour in Afghanistan. Above all Marion was a good friend and did a lot for the community. She shall be greatly missed.”

Mrs Winship was a member of the conservative party between 2003 and 2010 before she became non-political alliance and stood in the 2011 Local Elections as Independent Alliance. In March 2015 she rejoined the conservatives.

Her husband, James said: “A devoted mother to three children and beloved wife, Marion moved to the Forest in 1998 from Oxfordshire and immersed herself in the community. She grew up in the Scottish borders and thoroughly enjoyed the unspoiled tranquillity of the Severn and Wye Valleys.

“Intelligent and aware, Marion cared deeply about the community and worked hard as a district councillor to try to do the right thing for those she represented. Although frustrated at times by the petty politics of the council, she remained focused and committed to the work she did locally and ready to doggedly fight her corner if necessary.

“Able to put you down with a single withering look, she was equally able to lift you sky high with her smile and wit.

“In the latter months, despite the frustrations of her body giving up with motor neurone disease, she fought on and turned increasingly to writing poetry as an outlet for her emotions. Like everything in her life, the verses she wrote were shaped and reshaped to perfection, leave a lasting memory for us all.”

A Thanksgiving Service at St Andrew’s Church, Alvington, will be held at noon this Friday (July 15).