WATCHET was saddened this week by news of the death of Sally de Renzy-Martin, a local councillor for nearly 30 years and a popular figure in the town, who died last Sunday aged 73 after a short illness.

Colleagues, friends and residents this week paid tribute to her hard work, good humour, kindness, wise advice, wide experience and willingness to help others. One said: “The Watchet community has lost a very special lady.”

Moving to Watchet in 1982 with her husband John and their three children, Sally was elected to Watchet Town Council in 1991 and served six terms as chairman. She was the current deputy to the Mayor, Cllr John Irven.

Involved with numerous local organisations over the years, she was chairman of the Watchet Youth and Community Centre management committee, Watchet Harbour advisory committee, Watchet action strategic partnership and Watchet and district activity group.

She served several terms as a district councillor for Watchet and Williton and was the town council’s representative on the district council area panel, Watchet Conservation Society and the Market House Museum.

Countless people paid tribute to Sally, as reported in tomorrow’s Free Press. As a sample:

Cllr Irven said: “She was always honest and fair, and helped me when I was a newly-elected councillor and has been a great support in a number of roles .. a great personal and professional loss.”

Watchet town clerk Sarah Reed said: “Sally loved Watchet and was always interested in its history and its regeneration. She didn’t take things or herself too seriously and she had a lovely chilled way of looking at life, but her dedication to the council and to her town was always evident.

“I will miss her very much, not only at work but in a personal capacity. The Watchet community has lost a very special lady".

Former Watchet mayor, Cllr Peter Murphy described Sally as a dependable colleague who brought great humanity to her work on the council: “She will be sorely missed for the knowledge of the local scene she brought to bear and her good common sense.”

District and town councillor Loretta Whetlor said: “... her legacy will be in so many of the things we have in Watchet today."

Watchet Boat Owners’ Association treasurer Martin Stevens, who served with Sally on the Watchet harbour advisory committee, said: “If we can find a permanent solution to the sad state of the marina and make it once more something the town can be proud of, it will be a fitting memorial to her.”

Buy the Free Press for the full tribute to sally, who we at the Free Press also valued.