June Payne

June Payne, former active member of the International Friendship Society and Mayor of Christchurch, Dorset. Passed away on January 1st 2018 in France where she had lived since 2015.

As Mayor in 1994 June signed the Twinning agreement between the Borough and the town of Tatabanya, Hungary. June maintained strong links with Tatabanya.

Christine's Secret Garden in Millhams’ Street was a pet project of June Payne in her year of office (1994) and was named after her granddaughter. A champion for the disabled Mrs Payne designed the garden to meet the needs of those with sight and mobility problems. The garden having easy-access paths around the raised flower beds and planted with carefully chosen scented flowers and shrubs.

The best tribute to her (below) and her community involvement is the biography she posted in September 2011 as a member of the Mudeford community trust when involved in the negotiations for the trust to take over the centre.

June Payne .

A resident in Christchurch for the past 65 years. 55 years ago became involved with the voluntary sector with the Scouting movement and was Akela at 2 separate cub packs in Mudeford and Somerford. Also served on Somerford Youth Club management committee for 25 years. She was elected as an Independent Councillor ITEM NO 4 27 on Christchurch Borough Council where she was chair of Planning, Councillor for the disabled and was also on the Works and Amenities committees. Elected to the position of Mayor during 1993/94 and represented and promoted Christchurch at our twin towns and other more local events within Dorset and Hampshire. As well as visiting the Devon and Dorset Regiment whilst they were serving in Northern Ireland. Also elected as an Independent County Councillor on Dorset County Council where she served on Social Services, Education and Special Education committees as well as being on the Dorset Police Authority and was a prison visitor. She has been a trustee of a charity for 16 years and has also been on numerous School Governing bodies and the school appeals panel. She has a sound knowledge of the problems that affect society today and is anxious to see more provision within our communities for young disabled adults for whom little is organised once they leave full time education.