Community councillor dies at 83 (From Penarth Times)

Community councillor dies at 83

A SULLY man who was instrumental in getting approval for the village's Old School Community Hall has died at 83.

Former Vale of Glamorgan Borough councillor Reginald Sampson, previously of Smithies Avenue but recently living in Penarth, passed away on October 3, just months after his wife Margaret.

Mr Sampson represented Sully and Lavernock from 1983 until local government reorganisation in 1996 when the Vale became a county council.

His successor, Cllr Anthony Ernest, said: "Reg was an incredible man with an infectious humour and an ability to motivate people from all sides to a common cause.

"He was a great companion in my own political work and I know he will be greatly missed for his wide experience and knowledge of local government in Sully and the Vale of Glamorgan."

Mr Sampson was deputy leader of the council's Conservative group for several years, with an interest in the environmental health committee of which he was senior member.

He was on the planning committee and according to Cllr Ernest, almost single-handedly fought for the Old School Community Centre's go-ahead. The building was the first of its kind in Britain to receive a six figure Lottery grant.

Prior to World War Two he enlisted in the South Wales Borderers. Then, for active service, he transferred to the Nigerian Army, where as Regimental Sergeant Major he trained Nigerian soldiers for service in India and Burma.

He volunteered for Wingate's Chindits, later known as The Forgotten Army, never receiving the recognition it deserved.

He was sent home and demobbed in 1944 after being severely wounded and was unsuccessful in re-enlisting.

Mr Sampson married Margaret in 1946 and both became involved with London's Conservative party. On retiring to Sully, he threw himself into the political scene.

He was latterly president of the Sully Conservative Branch and sat on Sully Community Council.