COUNCILLORS have paid tribute to Mrs Barbara Cowlard, a staunch social campaigner and lifelong East Grinstead resident, who has died aged 95.

The granddaughter of a town councillor, Mrs Cowlards keen interest in local and national politics led her to attend many sessions in the Council Chamber.

She was known as a prodigious campaigner on the many issues close to her heart which included the suffragette movement and womens rights, and was a supporter of the EG and District Pensioners, and the Friends of the Queen Victoria hospital.

Mrs Cowlard continued to lead an active and vigorous life long into old age, and was very saddened aged 93 to have to give up driving and her two part-time voluntary jobs.

But she kept up her interest in politics until the last two or three weeks of her life, when a stroke confined her to bed.

Council leader James Baldwin said: "Mrs Cowlard was a remarkable woman and an inspiration to the many people who knew her, for her enthusiasm and utter dedication to the causes she espoused."

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