Former mayor of Reigate and Banstead, and past council leader on two occasions, Councillor Mrs Joan Spiers sadly passed away on Monday (29 August 2016).

Paying tribute to Cllr Mrs Spiers, Council Leader Cllr Victor Broad said: “I am extremely saddened by the news of Joan’s sudden passing. She will be remembered for her dedication and hard work for the Borough Council as its Leader, as a councillor for 32 years and as Mayor of our borough during 2015-16..”

Reigate MP Crispin Blunt tweeted “Sad news of Cllr Joan Spiers death. Our business like and efficient Borough drew on her qualities during her leadership of Reigate and Banstead”

Cllr Spiers was the elected Ward Member for Kingswood and Burgh Heath from May 1984 until her death.

She was keen to support YMCA East Surrey and the Royal British Legion as her charities during her time as Mayor, raising £28,500 that year for charity

Always keen to help many different groups across the borough, the theme for her mayoral year was ‘Encompass All.’