MEMORIES of pink biscuits and a steely defiance towards terrorist blackmailers were recalled at a service to celebrate the life of former Poole mayor Edna Adams.

The town's loss was visible as the parish church at Canford Magna was filled with friends, councillors, past mayors and the current post holder Cllr Les Burden, all with fond memories of Edna, 87, who passed away on August 23.

She served as a county councillor from 1963-1992 and on Poole council from 1970-1991, which included a stint as mayor in 1982.

She and her late husband Ivor ran a chicken farm at Canford Magna.

Edna, who enjoyed driving sporty cars, was affectionately described as "feisty" by current deputy leader Cllr Ann Stribley who gave a tribute, noting that her combative style on council issues also saw a light-hearted reflection when the refreshments' tray arrived.

"She almost never missed a meeting and she was always at great pains to ensure every pink biscuit had her name on it," said Cllr Stribley.

"She fought tirelessly and that met with the approval of the electorate and she ended up with the largest councillor's majority in the country, something I believe is still to be broken."

When Edna was amongst a group of people targeted by IRA blackmailers she steadfastly refused to bow to their demands.

Cllr Stribley said: "There was nothing that would entice her to pay up to the terrorists and she was the only one to stand up to the scam and even went to Dublin to give evidence in court."

Remembering Edna's time as mayor in the early 1980s, Cllr Stribley said she had jumped from a boat at Shell Bay during the beating of the bounds ceremony with her "skirt flying and revealing."

The resulting press photographs delighted Edna who compared them to Marilyn Monroe's famous billowing dress picture.

Parish rector Rev Peter Lawrence recalled the many times he had spoken to Edna at the church and said friends described her as a character, "and by that they mean a non-boring person."

He said she was someone who always opposed evil, and referring to the IRA blackmail attempt, said: "She told me, 'they can kill me but it is still wrong'."

To many Edna was the last link to a golden era of local politics in Poole.

After the service there was gathering of friends and relatives at the Hamworthy Club in Magna Road.

First published: Sept 4