We are very sorry to have to record the passing of Daphne Spink MBE – she was Conservative leader at South Cambridgeshire District Council in the late 1990s / early 2000s.

Mrs Spink served residents of South Cambridgeshire as a Councillor for 26 years, from 1982 to 2008. She was the member for the Bourn ward and lived in Eltisley.
 
As well as being Council Leader from 2001 to 2005, Mrs Spink also held several Cabinet positions during her time as a member, including the portfolios of housing and environmental health.  She was also previously Chairman and Deputy Leader of the authority.

Conservative Councillor Nick Wright, member for Caxton and Papworth, said: “I was privileged to serve on Cabinet with Daphne.  She was a strong Council leader and even stronger character. Despite initially opposing it, she was a driving force the early stages of Cambourne.  Her legacy was to ensure that Cambourne is the great place to live that it now is.”

Council Leader, Lib Dem Councillor Bridget Smith, said: “Daphne was very kind to me many years before I became a Councillor. She offered me my first teaching job, at Gamlingay Village College, while she was Chair of the college’s board of governors. She was a well-respected and hard-working chair and will be remembered fondly.”

Labour Councillor for Bassingbourn, Nigel Cathcart, said: “Daphne was very fair minded and knew South Cambridgeshire really well. She was determined to stick up for the interests of the whole region. She was particularly keen on housing matters and fully understood the needs of residents and tenants.”

Independent Councillor Deborah Roberts, member for Foxton, said: “Daphne was a larger than life character who you couldn’t fail to take notice of. She didn’t always agree with you, but she always respected your opinion. She had particular knowledge and expertise in housing, and was very supporting of sheltered housing schemes which benefit so many residents. As Councillors we all appreciated her advice and influence and it is very sad to hear of her passing.”

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South Cambridgeshire District Council

T  03450 450 500
F  01954 713 149
E  scdc@scambs.gov.uk
T  @SouthCambs
W www.scambs.gov.uk

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