TRIBUTES have been paid to former Bournemouth councillor and Mayor Barbara Siberry who has died at the age of 78.

Barbara, who had a career in nursery school teaching, has been described as a hard-working councillor who was “keen to do the right thing” for those she represented.

During her many years serving on Bournemouth council she met Princess Diana, the Princess Royal, Princess Margaret and the Duke of Kent.

She became Mayor in 1987 when David Trenchard was the leader of the council.

Paying tribute, he said: “She was keen to do the right thing. She listened to what her constituents had to say and worked hard for them”.

Cllr John Beesley, current council leader, added: “This is very sad news and my condolences go to Alderman Siberry’s family at this difficult time.

“On behalf of everyone at Bournemouth council I would like to express my sincere appreciation and pay tribute for the outstanding work Barbara did over many years for Bournemouth.”

Educated at Wentworth Milton Mount School, Barbara studied music in London before qualifying as a nursery school teacher.

On returning to Bournemouth, Barbara taught at the private St Christopher’s School in Wimborne Road before joining the Royal Bath Hotel management team.

She then ran her own private nursery school and she and her husband, Peter, were involved with many local charities.

Barbara first became a councillor for Bournemouth District representing the Littledown Ward in 1979. In 1981 she became a Dorset County Councillor as well, until Bournemouth became a Unitary Authority.

She served on numerous committees and chaired the Tourism and Publicity Committee. In 1999 she became chairman of the Environment Committee.

As Mayor, one of her charities was the New Bournemouth Hospital Appeal. She met Princess Diana when the new McCarthy & Stone Homelife House office was opened and greeted other members of the Royal family on their visits to Bournemouth.

A civic funeral service will be held at All Saints’ Church, Branksome Park, Poole on September 28 at 2.30pm, followed by a private burial.