Condolences received for Cllr. Anni Young

Tribute from the Town Council

ANNI YOUNG 1960 – 2020 – A TRIBUTE

Photo of Anni Young

Axminster is devastated to learn of the sudden and unexpected death of the Town Mayor, Mrs Anni Young.

Cllr Young passed away peacefully in her sleep early on 23^rd December at her home in Axminster.

Hundreds of tributes have been posted, reflecting the admiration, respect and love of the towns people for a wonderful lady who has given so much to the Axminster community.

Anni moved to Axminster in 1998 when Tesco established a store in the town. She held local and national negotiating roles with the company, and quickly established herself as a lady committed to the support of the community.

Anni was voted on to the Town Council in 2015, where she was much valued and was elected to be Deputy Mayor in 2017 and has been Town Mayor for almost 2 years. Anni was an integral member of ACER, helping to establish the group which was so effective during the ‘lockdown’ months of the Covid-19 epidemic.

In 2017, Anni became Manager of Axminster Guildhall. She described this as her “dream job”. She took over after a difficult period and worked hard to diversify the activities on offer there, whether regular activities such as majorettes and fit steps or “one off” entertainment events such as comedy nights and tribute bands.

Anni was renowned for her friendliness and her commitment to the support of those who do not have a strong voice for themselves. She was a lady of real integrity who lived out the philosophies she espoused: she was passionate about community, climate change, and support for those in need. She had tremendous energy, joy and humour. She was a highly visible representative of the Town Council and an amazing soul at the heart of Axminster.

Axminster will truly miss this generous, able, effective and very thoughtful lady who had so much more to give and planned to continue to support the town which she had made her home, and which had taken her to its heart.

From the Community

"Condolences to Anni’s family, friends and Axminster residents at this sad time."

DCC Cllr Jeff Trail BEM former Exmouth Town Mayor

"I am so very sorry to hear about the death of your mayor, that’s awful news. My sympathies to you all, and to Axminster as it deals with the blow to the town."

Devon Association of Local Councils

"May I express on behalf of the Axminster Women's section, our deepest sympathy on the loss of Anni. She was such a lovely lady and we were so dleighted when she became a much valued member of the RBL. Anni was also very supportive of Axminster Christmas Together and added sparkle and fun to our lunches at the Guildhall each year; she will be greatly missed..."

The Royal British Legion - Womens Section (Axminster)

"I was so sad to hear of Anni's passing. She helped me, as did you all, a lot when I was a very green co-opted councillor and I will miss seeing her around town. Axminster will miss her input a great deal."

Ex-Town Councillor

"From behalf of us all at Waffle – we have been deeply moved thinking about all that Anni did to support us and the town. She really was a very special woman and we will miss her, although she will forever be remembered in this place. I know it will be a big loss for you all and you are in our thoughts and prayers."

Member of Waffle Team

"I met Anni through her work at the Guildhall when I was running the Benefit surgery in the hall. We often used to chat afterwards and I enjoyed our conversations. I always found Anni to be so helpful and people focussed with strong personal values I admired. She worked with commitment for the Axminster community too and I know she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Very sad loss."

Former E.D.D.C. Housing Benefit Officer