Members of Prudhoe Town Council stood for two-minutes silence at their meeting on 10th July to remember their colleague and friend, Eileen Burt, whose funeral some members had attended that day, following her peaceful passing on 28th June.

Eileen was a devoted Councillor for many years, serving on Tynedale District Council, Northumberland County Council and more latterly, Prudhoe Town Council from which she resigned in February 2018 to return to her home town of Jarrow and to be closer to her family.

Eileen will be remembered by the many groups and organisations that she was part of during her life in Prudhoe, most notably Prudhoe Community Partnership, Prudhoe Town Twinning Association, Mickley First School and Prudhoe Community High School. 

Her legacy will also live on in the schemes she supported as a County Councillor; the purchase of a defibrillator to allow the now superbly popular Prudhoe Parkrun at Tyne Riverside County Park to get off the ground; money towards the redevelopment of the play area at Highfield Park in October 2015 and money towards the redevelopment of Prudhoe Castle play area in July 2015, all still being enjoyed now by families and most particularly children, of whom she was a great champion.

At Eileen’s last meeting as a Town Councillor, Councillor Jennifer McGee paid a special tribute describing her as an excellent Councillor and a great colleague.  Councillor Jennifer McGee laughed and described that she and Councillor Burt had not always agreed on everything but that she would miss her greatly, as a friend and a Councillor.  She said that Councillor Eileen Burt would be a huge miss to Prudhoe, and not just to the Town Council, as she had been part of so many things for such a long time.  Councillor Jennifer McGee concluded by wishing Councillor Eileen Burt well in her move and much happiness in her new home.

Sixteen months later, it is deeply saddening that Eileen’s life was cut short and she could not continue to live her best life in her home town, however, whilst Eileen was alive, she lived a very full life and was someone who was always willing to get involved, in words and in deeds.

In testament of the contribution Eileen made to Prudhoe, and in recognition of her many years as a member of this congregation, Our Lady & St. Cuthbert’s RC Church on Highfield Lane will hold a special memorial mass on Friday 19th July, commencing at 10:00 am, all those who wish to remember Eileen are warmly invited to attend.