Central Bedfordshire Council pays tribute to 'well-respected councillor' and former leader

Fiona Chapman MBE, passed away on Saturday, June 6, she leaves behind her husband Allan, twin daughters, two stepsons and ten grandchildren.

Mrs Chapman spent much of her life serving the local community, having previously held office as High Sheriff, and had been a Deputy Lieutenant of Bedfordshire since 2003.

She was extremely well respected and served as a long-standing ward councillor for Flitwick, as well as serving on panels with both Bedfordshire Police and Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

She was awarded the MBE in the New Year’s Honours in 2002.

For many years Mrs Chapman served as a councillor for both Mid Bedfordshire District Council and Central Bedfordshire Council.

She served on numerous committees, was Vice Chairman of Central Bedfordshire Council from 2010 to 2017 and Chairman for two years until 2019.

As Chairman, she acted as an ambassador for the council, representing the authority on civic visits, at ceremonial events, as well as raising funds and awareness for her chosen charities Cancer Research UK and Bedfordshire Crimebeat.

For most of 1980s Fiona ran The Delikatessen in the High Street in Woburn Sands and had previously run her own catering business.

Cllr Brian Saunders, Chairman of Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “I have known Fiona for many years as both a friend and colleague.

"Her strong sense of civic duty led her to serve as a well-respected councillor for over 40 years.

"She always wanted to make a difference to individuals and to the wider community and was driven by her desire to make things better.

"Her commitment to public service was astounding and she will be missed by her many friends, colleagues and the communities she served for so long.”

Councillor Gareth Mackey, who represents Flitwick, said: "Fiona had served for many years and was a dedicated and very respected public servant. I have known Fiona for many years had the utmost respect and admiration for her.

"She was dedicated to public life and she dedicated 44 years to the service, there are few others who could match her dedication and her service to the public.

"She really was a source of good in Central Bedfordshire over many years and I believe she should be recognised for that.

"My deepest condolences to her husband, and to her family. May she rest in peace."