Lifetime of direct and fearless service to her community
Nance Turner.
A Beadnell woman, who died recently within days of her 92nd birthday, spent a lifetime in service to the community.
Training as a nurse at the beginning of the Second World War, Nance Turner was the first ward sister in the country to administer penicillin, then the new wonder drug.
Left as a single mother with a small son, she moved in with her parents in Beadnell and had a successful career as a sister and subsequently matron at Alnwick hospital. Always interested in community life, she served as Beadnell’s representative on Belford Rural District Council and then on the new Berwick Borough Council.
Fearless and direct in putting over her point of view, she readily admitted that she had voted against Beadnell being included in the new Berwick Borough in 1974, but reconciled herself to the new order and served the council and her electors well.
She served as a distinguished Mayoress of Berwick in 1982-83, working hard as part of the civic party of George Scott as Mayor, Alan Robson as Sheriff and Kate Robson as Sheriff’s Lady. Her colleagues were so impressed they made her an honorary Alderman when she retired from the council in 1983.
Continuing to work as manager of the Wyvis Holiday home in Seahouses, she travelled to America, visiting her son and making many new friends.
Although in declining health for some time she continued both her interest in community life and her clear opinions about what should be done about it.
Never wanting a fuss she chose to bow out without plaudit or ceremony, but leaves behind her son John, who looked after her magnificently, and a wide circle of friends who remember her with great affection.
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Weather for Northumberland
Saturday 18 May 2013
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