Molly Cooke, 1932–2016
Councillor, Mayor
Inspired to action by her workmates Molly Cooke became a Town Councillor and went on to serve for 39 years. She was the first female Mayor, a post she held three times was elected an Alderman of the town. As well as her work as a Councillor she involved herself with many other causes such as facilities for people with special needs, building of the towns skate park and the development of the new swimming pool.
Born in Leominster, Molly was one of five children. After school, she worked in the office at Cadbury’s under Councillor Bob Booth, and met others connected with the council, which is where her interest in local politics was first set in motion.
Deciding to stand for the council herself, she was duly elected and went on to be a Town Councillor for Leominster Labour Party for approximately 39 years. She became the town’s first female Mayor, a post she held a total of three times. She was also elected as an Alderman of the town.
As a councillor (see also Alec Haines and Pauline Davies) she served on many committees and working parties and had great interest in keeping Leominster streets and green spaces clean and tidy. She had a reputation of being very wise and financially astute. She was a trustee of Grange Court for many years.
She was well-known throughout the town and was both a friend and councillor to many residents. She involved herself fully in local organisations and events. For many years she helped run the August Play Week and was involved in various projects including the building of the towns Skateboard Park, the new swimming pool and the millennium clock. She would help good causes in any way possible and was always fundraising for and attending local events, especially supporting the Gateway Club and Windsor Place. She chaired the Leominster Attractions Group and loved the Victorian Street Market — which she started in the mid 1990s — and getting involved with the Christmas Light switch on and children’s Christmas carol service at the Priory Church.
An active member of the British Legion, Molly raised funds each year through the poppy appeal and when not doing council work, she loved to be in her garden.
Molly was also elected onto Herefordshire County Council, but often said that the highlight of all her council years was going to the Queens Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.
She retired from the council the year before her death. The Mayor at the time, Councillor Angela Pendleton, said of her: “Molly cared deeply about the people of Leominster especially children, and was always champion of the underdog. She gave herself to Leominster and its people and was greatly loved. In summary, Molly Cooke was a stalwart of all things Leominster, she worked tirelessly for all that mattered to her as a town councillor and as a resident.”
