A Tribute to Councillor Martin Foster

We are extremely sad to have learned of the death of Councillor Martin Foster and our sincere condolences go out to his family and close friends.

Martin joined the Council on 5th July 2019 but had made a huge impact in the community of Prudhoe prior to that, most especially in his role as Activities Co-ordinator at Red Brick House.  Martin was a formidable fundraiser and this year alone he ran from Tyne Bridge to Red Brick House, held yard sales off Front Street and table top sales in the care home.  Martin strived to ensure the residents of the home were part of the community, and the community part of Red Brick House.  This was among one of the many reasons he was nominated and went on the be awarded winner of the Enrichment Lead in the Great British Care Awards earlier in the month.

Martin was actively involved in work at The Miner’s Lamp Café and Community Hub, helping Councillor Russ Greig get the facility open and ensuring young people had access to as much as possible, sourcing goal posts and a table tennis table.  We know that the welfare of young people and families was a high priority for Martin and he will be remembered by many for his contribution to youth football.

Martin spent time with the young and the old, he could relate to almost anyone and if there was a cause to fight for, he was guaranteed to be out front doing what needed to be done.  Martin will be remembered very fondly by the family of the late Tommy Watson, with whom Martin struck up a real friendship in Red Brick House.  When Martin learned of Tommy’s lost war medals he worked tirelessly, not only to have them replaced, but to ensure they were appropriately presented and the occasion marked with a celebration.

The Red Brick House won the Best Community Garden in the Prudhoe in Bloom Awards over the summer.  Martin had already begun work on the gardens before becoming a Councillor, seeking help from local business Thompson’s of Prudhoe and many others.  Martin was the type of person that people wanted to help, his enthusiasm was limitless and when directed towards projects like this, the results were amazing.

In the short time that Martin was a Town Councillor, he dealt with countless residents’ issues, held surgeries and secured new goal posts for a recreational green space in his ward.  Cllr Martin Foster would have undoubtedly gone on to achieve so much more for Prudhoe as he was one of those priceless individuals who come into to your life, your organisation or your club and say ‘I’m here, what are we going to do’, swiftly followed by ‘what are we going to do next!’.

Martin will be missed and remembered with a smile by many.  As a mark of respect, the Council held a minute’s silence at the opening of their meeting tonight, and then adjourned all other business to be reconvened on 4th December 2019.