Slough council leader pays tribute to former mayor who has passed away aged 77

The leader of Slough Borough Council has paid tribute to a ‘great councillor’ and ‘incredible mayor’ who passed away this week.

Former councillor and mayor Christine Small died on Thursday at the age of 77.

Known to many as Chrissy, she was born in London and moved to Slough at the age of eight.

She was first elected to the council in 2002 in the Kedermister ward and was subsequently re-elected in 2004, 2006 and 2010 before retiring as a councillor in 2014.

During her service, Christine served on many committees and outside bodies and was appointed to cabinet in 2008 where she served as the lead member for health and wellbeing.

She was elected deputy mayor for the municipal year of 2011-2012 and was then elected as the mayor of Slough for 2012-13.

During her mayoral year, Christine welcomed Her Late Majesty The Queen to the opening of The Britwell Centre on Wentworth Avenue.

She also celebrated the Diamond Jubilee with residents who were celebrating their own diamond anniversaries and lit the celebration beacon.

Christine also welcomed the Olympic Torch Relay into Slough and ensured that she was there to wave it out on its way to Windsor.

During her time in office, Christine also decided to welcome children from every school in the borough into the Mayor’s Parlour to demystify the mayor’s role and chat to her favourite constituents – young people.

Christine was known for her down-to-earth approach and humour and during her mayoral celebration she enjoyed a dinner of fish and chips from the local chip shop she loved.

A notable quote from her election as mayor of Slough was: “I think my mum was psychic. When I was younger my mum always said I was a total mare.”

Councillor Dexter Smith, leader of the council, said: “Christine was a great councillor and an incredible Mayor.

“She threw herself into her Mayoral year with the no airs and graces attitude she was known for; representing Slough with energy, humour and an unending passion.

“We were political opponents, but Christine always cared more for doing what was right for residents than she ever did about political manoeuvring or who was part of what party.

“She was a champion of her residents, of Langley and of the whole of Slough; no-nonsense, down to earth and at all times, caring and human.

“It is an incredible loss for the town and our thoughts are with her family and all of those whose lives she touched.”

The flag outside the council’s headquarters at Observatory House is flying at half-mast as a sign of respect.

Arrangements of Christine’s civic funeral will be posted when confirmed.