Jo Kirkham's family heard heartfelt tributes to their mother and grandmother during Rye Town Council's meeting on Monday October 27. The three-times mayor, who was a Rye councillor for 54 years, died on Monday October 20 at the age of 86.
Current mayor Andy Stuart described the council chamber at the town hall as Jo Kirkham's "second home." In an emotional speech he led councillors' tributes to what he described as a life-time of service. "She was one of the best mayors Rye has ever had. THE pillar of our community."
"It was an honour to have known her," he said. "Inspirational and someone who wanted to make the town a better place. She was keen to support us all."
"She welcomed us," said Cllr Fiddimore, explaining that when she joined, it followed a big change in the make-up of Rye Town Council. "I was terrified but she helped. I remember her saying 'Another woman. Fantastic!'. She was incredibly supportive."
Cllr Boyd praised what he called Jo Kirkham's friendliness and firmness. "She knew her mind. Whatever you asked her about Rye you would get the answer - and she was always right."
"I would have to live for another thirty years to match her time as a Rye councillor," said Cllr Breeds. "I will miss her enormously. She is an impossible act to follow."
The former mayor was an important link to Rye's past said Cllr Hughes. "You can disregard the past but it informs us, which was another way Jo was so useful. I'm so grateful to her. She was so supportive and helpful."
Jo Kirkham's son William spoke for the family, recalling when his mother was heavily pregnant with him she still made it to council meetings at the town hall. "I've no idea how she made it up the stairs. Nothing got in her way. Thank you all for your lovely words."
