TRIBUTES have been paid to community stalwart and former mayor of Usk Margot Etheridge who has died aged 96.
Margaret Etheridge, known as Margot, was well-known in the community, having served as mayor in her 80s and as a a town councillor for 10 years from 1990.
Her son, Richard Etheridge, said: “She cared about her community and the community cared very much about her.
“She was very well-known and had a wonderful sense of humour.
He added: “She loved her time as mayor and they loved having her because she was good at keeping order.”
Mrs Etheridge was a member of St Mary’s Church in Usk and was also known as a skilled player in the card game, bridge.
Her late husband, Viv, was chairman of the former Gwent County Council.
Friend Roger Gallatley said: “She was an astonishing woman.
“She could mix in any company whether it was with the royal family or with a local road sweeper. She had a large circle of friends and every single one of them spoke highly of her.”
He added: “There was very little that went on in Usk that she was not connected to in some way.”
Tony Kear, chairman of Usk in Bloom, said Mrs Etheridge was a “wonderful supporter” of the group.
He said: “Usk has lost a unique character and stalwart of Usk life.
“Her floral window box displays continued to impress each summer and 2017 was no different.”
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