Helen Sugden, Kirklees councillor

Helen Blamires Sugden, who has died at 98, was a wartime ambulance driver who became a tireless charity worker as well as a councillor in the West Yorkshire district of Kirklees.
Helen SugdenHelen Sugden
Helen Sugden

Educated at Waverley School, Huddersfield, and Queen Anne’s, Caversham, she taught domestic science in Bradford, including the art of the wartime recipe, from 1939-41.

Her husband, John, a major in the 3rd Indian Regiment, was embroiled in the Battle of Imphal when their eldest son was born, and met him only after the hostilities had ended.

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Mrs Sugden founded the Newsome and Berry Brow branch of the NSPCC near Huddersfield, and became its secretary and chairwoman. She was also district secretary of the town’s Girl Guides, president of the Ramsden Trefoil Guild and vice president of the West Riding South Guides.

She served the council for four years, representing Crosland Moor, Lockwood and Netherton.

A keen sportswoman, having represented Yorkshire at tennis, she later became lady captain of Huddersfield golf club at Fixby.

Her husband died in 1971. She is survived by three sons, 10 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, the youngest born a week before her death. A fourth son, Tim, predeceased her.