Alderman Eileen Evans (1926-2009)
She was the first woman to be Lady Mayoress and then in her own right, Lord Mayor. Eileen Evans was Plymouth born, serving as an ARP Messenger in WW2 while still at school (Plymouth High School for Girls) and later was a telegraphist before marrying in 1948. As well as supporting her husband’s political career (Bill Evans was Lord Mayor in 1978) Eileen was an activist in her own right, serving as a magistrate on the Plymouth Bench for 24 years, as well as serving on the Police Authority, the Fire and Rescue Committee and education committees. She was a Devon County Councillor 1990-98, before becoming Lord Mayor of the City in 1998, and was appointed Honorary Alderman in 2000. She was widely respected for her work helping the people of Plymouth, especially young people. She was, for instance, an enthusiastic supporter of the Girl Guides and Brownie movement – being herself Brown Owl of the Southways troop in the 1960s.