Tribute after former mayor of Marlborough dies aged 76

Despite being well known in the Marlborough community, Anne Notton's family were not originally from the town and she was born at Catterick Garrison to Edward and June Reeve on December 27, 1947.

Her father was a senior NCO in the 24th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, meaning the family travelled often and Anne was raised in Germany, Hong Kong, Suffolk and Cardiff.

It was in 1955, when eight-year-old Anne was living in Hong Kong, that her mother died and Anne and her sister Lynn returned to Britain to live with family.

Anne first arrived in Marlborough aged 16 when she began her training as a nurse at Savernake Hospital, and she continued to work there until 1976, before returning to the profession in the early 1980s.

The young nurse worked largely at Princess Margaret’s Hospital in Swindon and the Ridgeway Hospital in Wroughton, as well as nursing individuals in their homes.

Former mayoress Anne Notton loved to sing, and dedicated her time to the Marlborough community. (Image: Charles Notton)

Anne married her husband Robin Notton, former Mayor of Marlborough, on April 19, 1969, at St Peter's Church in Marlborough and the couple spent 55 happy years together.

During that time, they travelled widely in Europe, Africa, China, New Zealand and Canada, and raised their two sons Charles and David.

As well as taking on a public role as Mayoress of Marlborough in 1991-92, many locals knew and loved Anne for her time at Waitrose and her active role in many local organisations.

This included the Marlborough Brandt Group, the Devizes Constituency Womens’ Committee, the Royal Enfield Owners Club and the Marlborough Community Choir and Choral Society.

Determined to help her community, Anne also spent six years as the secretary of the St George's Preshute PCC.

Anne and Robin Notton, former Mayor and Mayoress of Marlborough, were married at St Peter's Church in the town. (Image: Newsquest)

Sadly, in January 2024, Anne was diagnosed with bladder cancer which was deemed inoperable.

On 7 April 2024, she was taken into hospital before being transferred to the Prospect Hospice in Wroughton, and Anne died peacefully on April 23, 2024, with her husband Robin and son David at her side.

She leaves behind a loving husband, two sons and three grandchildren.

Anne Notton's funeral will take place at St George’s Preshute on Monday 13 May 2024 at 2pm, and those who knew and loved her are welcome to attend.