TRIBUTES have been paid to former Redditch Mayor Madge Tillsley MBE who has died at the age of 93.
‘Auntie Madge’, as she was affectionately known to many, was one of the Windrush generation, arriving in the UK from Jamaica in the 1950s.
It was a time when hundreds of people from the West Indies answered the call from Great Britain to work in this country.
She began her life in England working in a local sausage factory and later in a Redditch spring plant.
She was elected as a Redditch Borough Councillor in 1987, representing the Central Ward and serving for nine years until 1996.
As a councillor, she served on Development Committee and REDI Management Committee, Personnel and Equal Opportunities Committee and chaired the Equal Opportunities Sub-committee.
She also sat on the Health Consultative Committee, Support Services Management Board, Town Centre Management Forum, the All Women’s House Management Committee and the Amenities Committee
And she chaired the Finance and General Purposes Sub-Committee.
Life as the Mayor of Redditch
But, arguably, her proudest memories and achievements were when she was elected as Mayor of Redditch in May 1991, becoming the first black mayor in Worcestershire.
Madge welcomed HM The Queen to the town, speaking to Her Majesty about her life since arriving from Jamaica, and also met Princess Diana and Tony Blair when he was Prime Minister.
Prior to becoming Mayor she received the MBE for her community work.
When she left her councillor role, she continued to be a champion for both her community and Redditch, attending many events.
Her close friend, Coun Bill Hartnett, said: “I knew Madge and her late husband Jim Tillsley.
“Community ran through Madge’s veins – she was a larger than life person full of joy and always smiling.
“She ran many community groups including the Smallwood Residents Association, the Sunshine Club, the All Women’s House to name a few.
“She will be sadly missed by everyone.”
Mrs Tillsley also ran campaigns, including one back in 2008 to save the local post office.
Local authors Mike Johnson and Anne Bradford collaborated to write ‘The Life and Times of Madge Tillsley’.
Sue Hanley, Redditch Borough Council’s Chief Executive, said: “Madge made an immense contribution to public service both while in office and through her significant community work over many years.
“Her passing is a very sad loss for all those who had the honour of knowing her.”
‘Pillar of the community’
Madge Tilsley pulls a few crackers with Coun Bill Hartnett, John Dale, Coun Pat Witherspoon and Mayor Joe Baker. Picture by Marcus Mingins 4916014MMR
Redditch MP Chris Bloore said: “Madge Tillsley MBE was a true pillar of the Redditch community – a trailblazer, a campaigner, and a source of joy to all who knew her.
“Arriving from Jamaica in the 1950s, she dedicated her life to bringing people together, leading community groups like the Smallwood Residents Association and the Sunshine Club.
“As the first black mayor in Worcestershire in 1991, she made history, but her legacy was built on her unwavering passion for standing up for local people—including her 2008 campaign to save the post office, a fight we continue today.
“Madge’s warmth, resilience, and tireless service will never be forgotten.”
- WHAT are your memories of Madge Tillsley? Email them to [email protected] or post them to: Redditch Standard, Webb House, Church Green East, Redditch. B98 8BP.
