Tributes for Former Ealing Councillor, Gwen Barnes

Gwen Barnes, an active Labour party politician, will be best remembered for her passion for education and housing.

She was a dedicated school governor and was committed in getting people housed.

Mrs Barnes, of Woburn in West Ealing served four terms at Ealing council from 1971-1986 and was appointed Honorary Alderman of the borough.

Her funeral will take place on Wednesday April 29 at Mortlake Crematorium followed by a memorial service at the Princess Room at Ealing Town Hall at 2pm.

Fred Dunckley, Freeman of the Borough, MBE, who knew Gwen nearly 20 years, said: "Gwen was one of the 'old school' Labour councillors.
"She was a no nonsense kind of lady and very honest.
"If she felt we were doing something wrong, she was quite prepared to tell you and was always very upfront.
"Gwen was a very dedicated councillor and it's a tragic loss for everyone who knew her."

Councillor Mike Elliot of Northolt West End, said: "Education was Gwen's great interest and she was a governor of a number of schools.
"She became involved with the Race Equality Council which is now based at the new Lido centre,
"I first remember meeting Gwen at The Southall Day Centre where she was a trustee and she was very much a respected member of the Council and activist in the Labour party.
"She was a passionate advocate of comprehensive education and it's very sad to lose her."

Margaret Majumdar who stepped down from the Council in 2006 said it was Gwen who first got her into politics. She said: "I first met Gwen in 1971 when she was already selected as a councillor candidate and I was secretary of the Labour party.
"Gwen nominated me onto the education committee before I became a councillor and I'm very thankful to her.
"Everyone had a huge amount of respect for Gwen and she was the most effective Ealing Councillor for the Elthorne ward.
"I was close to her and will remember Gwen with a lot of affection."

Friends and family are invited to post their memories of and tributes to Gwen Barnes who passed away on April 11, aged 86.