Death of Leeds campaigner and school governor who was 'cornerstone' of her community

Grandmother-of-three Elizabeth Hayes, 74, of Whitkirk, was a co-founder of the Friends of Temple Newsam Park and was the group's chairperson for more than ten years until August.

She co-founded a community volunteer group and worked as a school governor at Temple Moor High School, Colton Primary School and Whitkirk Primary School.

Mrs Hayes also stood as Conservative Party candidate in local elections in Leeds for many years.

Last month she wrote to local residents to gain community support for a campaign to stop Leeds City Council’s proposed sale of Temple Newsam’s East Lodge.

She also served on Whitkirk Parochial Church Council and was instrumental in raising funds for the new Whitkirk Community Centre.

Her funeral will take place on Wednesday November 25 at St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk.

Mrs Hayes leaves two sons - Robert, 52, and Alexander, 48, and three grandchildren.

Robert Hayes said : "She was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother. To her friends she was enthusiastic and bubbly and always positive.

"She was community minded and motivated. We were very proud of her enthusiasm and determination and resolve to fight for her causes, and most often win.

"She really was the cornerstone of her community."

Mrs Hayes was among a small group of residents who launched the Friends of Temple Newsam Park group in 1999 amid concerns over damage caused to the Temple Newsam Estate by crowds at Leeds Festival.

The group fought a long licensing battle over the Leeds Festival, which was moved to Bramham Park in 2002.

Mrs Hayes led tours of Temple Newsam House and fundraised thousands of pounds for Temple Newsam through social and fundraising events.

The Friends organise major social and fundraising events for the park, including brass band concerts, dances, and a beer festival, and recently supported the campaign to save Temple Newsam’s golf course.

Honorary Alderman Bill Hyde, former Lord Mayor of Leeds and President of Leeds East Conservatives, said: “Liz was a dear friend, colleague and hard-working campaigner for our community.

“She volunteered to fight and fundraise for many local causes, including being an active school governor and standing as a council candidate on multiple occasions.

“It was truly a pleasure to work with Liz over so many years.”

Geoff North, Chair of the Friends of Temple Newsam Park, said: “Liz has been a cornerstone of the Friends of Temple Newsam Park since its founding over 20 years ago.

“She was fundamental in its creation as a response to the extensive damage caused to the park during the pop concerts of the late 1990s.

"Her help in the creation of the Friends allowed for the successful lobbying of the council to have these concerts moved to Bramham Park.

“Over the years since Liz and the Friends have been active, many thousands of pounds have been raised for improvements to the park.

“Liz loved Temple Newsam and was keen in so many ways that the park could be enjoyed to the full by its many visitors.”

Dean Hardy, Treasurer of Temple Newsam Golf Club Ltd, said: "Liz was a great support throughout our recent campaign to save the golf course from closure.

“She will be sorely missed by everyone at the club.”