Tributes Come in for Respected Town Councillor

It is with deep sadness that Hailsham Town Council received the news of Councillor Stella Henstock passing away in the early hours of Thursday 22nd October.

Councillor Henstock was a well-respected and active member of the local community, having been elected onto the Town Council in May 1999. She represented Hailsham East ward and served on a number of committees, including the Town Council’s former Environment & Leisure and Festivities Committees, the latter of which she was vice-chairman from May 2008 to May 2009. She sat on the Communities Committee from May 2015.

She was also an active member of the Hailsham Bonfire Society committee, serving as Honorary President for many years.

Deputy Town Mayor Councillor Amanda O’Rawe offered her condolences on behalf of the Town Council: “Councillor Henstock was a very popular and well respected town councillor, having served the community for many years and caring passionately about Hailsham and its residents. We are all greatly upset by the news that our friend has passed away.”

“I know I speak for all my colleagues at the Town Council, as well as the wider community, when I say that Councillor Henstock will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this sad time.”

Mickey Caira, Deputy Town Clerk said: “I can only add to the many wonderful messages which have already circulated about Councillor Henstock – this is such a huge loss for Hailsham and for everyone who knew her.”

Fellow town councillor Barbara Holbrook, a long-term friend of Councillor Henstock’s who gave assistance to enable her to get to council meetings especially when she was in poor health said: “My husband Paul and I were so very sorry to learn the news about Stella’s passing. She was an exceptional friend with a heart of gold and good sense of humour and it was a pleasure to work with her on the Council and meet up with her for regular outings.”

“We’ve lost someone who has made a big contribution to the life and well-being of the local community in which she lived and served.”