Tributes have been paid to a former mayor whose family say her tenure was 'one of the proudest times of her life'.

Mary Laslett, a well known and much loved presence in Sandwich for more than 70 years, died peacefully on Friday, September 11, aged 92.

The retired teacher who worked at schools in Worth, Sandwich, Aylesham and Dover, had a keen interest in local politics and was an active member of Sandwich Liberal Democrats.

In 1996, the town and district councillor was elected as Mayor of Sandwich and Speaker of the Confederation of Cinque Ports - one of only six women to have ever held the post.

In a statement from her family, they say: "Representing the people of Sandwich and carrying out many civic duties was one of the proudest times of her life, which she fondly recalled for many years after."

Mrs Laslett came to Sandwich from Sheffield in the war years as a Land Army girl where she met her husband to be Eric Laslett.

Together they ran the Sandwich youth club in the 1960s. Mrs Laslett was also a Brownie and Girl Guides leader, firstly at Finglesham then at Sandwich.

In her early 40s, she undertook a Teachers Training degree at Christchurch Canterbury sparking a career in education.

Following retirement, she joined the bowls club and enjoyed socialising with friends and eating out - with regular lunches at Age Concern and The Bell Hotel, where she was well known by staff.

Daughter Carol-Anne Whittaker said: "Her favourite thing was being with people. She was a real social animal, meeting with old friends, new friends and enjoying a drink, a meal and a chat."

She is survived by seven children, three of whom live in Sandwich, and 37 grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mrs Whittaker added: "She absolutely loved children, especially her grandchildren.

"In her retirement she loved going to visit them in England, Switzerland and America, and having them come to stay in Sandwich where she would let them build camps and campfires in the garden."

Due to Covid-19 restrictions a large funeral has sadly not been possible.

However, her family fondly recall her 90th birthday in the Guildhall which was attended by a large number of visiting dignitaries as well as her extended family and friends.

The flag on Sandwich Guildhall will be flown at half-mast on Tuesday, October 6 as a mark of respect for her service to the town.

Any donations in lieu of flowers can be made via the Sandwich Shop and will be shared between The Alzheimer’s Society and Age Concern Sandwich.

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