Funeral of former Mayor of Blaenavon Phyllis Roberts

Mrs Roberts passed away on September 2, aged 97.

She was a prominent figure in politics in Torfaen for more than half a century, and was believed to be the UK’s oldest mayor when she took office in 2017. 

READ MORE:

• Businesses come to the aid of blind woman after garden work nightmare.
• Homes for vulnerable children in city will be welcoming and homely environments, say council.
• 'He told me to go for the record' - Lampard to hit 400 and close in on late legend's Keys tally.

In 2015, Mrs Roberts was presented with the British Empire Medal by Lord Lieutenant of Gwent Simon Boyle for services to the community in Blaenavon.

Paying tribute to Mrs Roberts, current mayor of Blaenavon Cllr Liam Cowles said: “She was hugely respected, not just in Blaenavon but across the county borough of Torfaen and further afield, having served in so many capacities for the best part of 50 years.

“We will all greatly miss her and everything that she brought to us for so long. It’s a very sad day for Blaenavon and our thoughts are with her surviving family members.”

And Torfaen MP Nick Thomas-Symonds said Mrs Roberts “will remain an inspiration for generations to come.”

A service will be held at St Peter’s Church in Blaenavon at midday on September 24, followed by a committal ceremony at Gwent Crematorium.

Mrs Roberts’ family ask, in lieu of flowers, for donations to the Alzheimer’s Society and Cancer Research Wales.