Renowned city alderman Kathleen Elliott dies aged 104
FORMER city councillor Kathleen Elliott has died just weeks after celebrating her 104th birthday.
The renowned local figure, affectionately known as Kay, passed away at the Queen's Medical Centre on September 3.
She celebrated her last birthday with friends and family at The Firs Nursing Home, in Sherwood, on August 4.
Peter Williams, son-in-law of Miss Elliott's best friend, Hannah Harwood, said: "Kathleen loved living at The Firs and made a lot of friends.
"She said her 104th birthday was one of the best days of her life."
Miss Elliott was born in the women's hospital, in Peel Street, Nottingham, on August 4, 1906.
She studied at Mountford House School and was head girl at Nottingham High School for Girls, before achieving a double first class degree at Oxford University.
During the Second World War, she helped to produce army clothing.
She was elected as a councillor for the Abbey ward in May 1956 and was elected as an alderman in February 1975.
The title is given as recognition of long service as a councillor. In 2006, she became the first city alderman to reach 100.
As part of her recent birthday celebrations, Miss Elliott had a ride in the civic car with the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Councillor Brian Grocock.
She also attended a ceremony at the Council House alongside Nottingham's 18 other honorary aldermen.
Speaking to the Post about her 104th birthday, Miss Elliott said: "I have enjoyed a good life. I have been looking forward to celebrating my birthday."
During her career, Miss Elliott held appointments at Nottingham University Court, the Library Association, Nottingham College of Art, Clarendon College of Further Education and Nottingham High School for Girls.
She also managed Elliott and Brown engineering consultancy, set up by her father, in Pelham Road, and lived in Wollaton before moving to The Firs.
Mr Williams said: "She was a bright lady. I think she will be remembered as someone who had a distinguished career in the service of Nottingham.
"I cannot recollect her ever having said a bad word about anyone."
Close friend Lilian Povey, who visited Miss Elliott every week for the last six years, said: "We really thought she was going to go on until she was 120."
A funeral service will be held at St Mary's Church, in Wollaton Park, on Friday, September 24 at 11am, followed by a reception at the Council House.
It is family flowers only, but people can make a donation to Age Concern Nottingham.
Comments
by Rob, Carlton, Nottingham
Friday, September 10 2010, 10:16AM
“Among her many other achievements and activities, Alderman Elliott was a distinguished member of Nottingham Croquet Club, and latterly until her death, an honorary Vice President of the club. She made regular visits, particularly to the main 6 day Annual Tournament, well into her 90s, but has sadly not been able to visit in recent years. Her mother, Mrs Elliott, had been a founder of the club, having persuaded Jesse Boot to provide the facility as part of his endowment of Highfields Park. The club is still very active, and last month hosted the 5-day New Zealand v Great Britain Test Match as part of the Croquet World Team Championship. Great Briatin, captained by Nottingham club member Keith Aiton, won the test in an exciting and close 5th day, and later won the first division of the Championship and croquet's most prestigious trophy, the MacRobertson Shield. We like to think Miss Elliott may have heard about this with an element of approvale and civic pride. She will be sadly missed by members of the club.
Requiseat in pace.”