Obituary - Frances Spalding

11.59.16pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 14th Jun 2009

Frances Spalding was a lifelong member of the Liberal Democrats - and before that the Liberal Party. She was a stalwart of the party for many years - delivering her first leaflets as a child.

Frances was chair of Stansted branch and had been so for over 5 years. She organised the distribution of leaflets to over 7000 houses over the last 20 years, and had only just completed the last election delivery a few days before her untimely death.

Frances was always one to lead and support action days in the local area and a regular helper at by-elections. She was also well-known at Federal conference as a reliable steward in the hall.

I first came across Frances when she was the membership recruiter for Stansted branch in 1992. She was always friendly and inviting, and, I believe, was responsible for recruiting and retaining about half the branch membership. She always encouraged me to get involved - first as a District Council candidate, then as a County candidate and now as a Parliamentary Candidate.

She was always there, helping and supporting. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Peter Wilcock

PPC Saffron Walden

Frances Spalding's funeral will be at the Cambridge Crematorium, East Chapel at 3.15 p.m. on Friday 19th June. There will be a gathering afterwards at The Chequers, Ugley on the B1383. Donations to the British Heart Foundation.