Melodie Shelbourne: Volunteer who ‘touched people’s lives’ (From Surrey Comet)

Melodie Shelbourne: Volunteer who ‘touched people’s lives’

2:47pm Wednesday 6th February 2008 in

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A Wallington woman who dedicated her life to the community has died aged 60.

Melodie Shelbourne died in her home after suffering a heart attack on Monday, January 21.

A lifetime lover of nature, Mrs Shelbourne was known to many through her work at the Volunteer Centre Sutton (VCS) and as a member of the bench at Sutton Magistrates' Court.

Colleagues described her as a kind and dedicated volunteer who would be sorely missed.

A spokeswoman for the centre said its excellent reputation was largely due to Mrs Shelbourne's involvement.

"Her impact has spread far wider than the centre and she has touched the lives of a large number of people," she said.

"Many organisations throughout the statutory and voluntary sectors have grown as a result of the depth of her knowledge and her commitment to volunteering. She will be sorely missed."

Born in Dorking on February 24, 1948, Mrs Shelbourne moved to Ashtead and then later to Carshalton, where her family ran a hardware store.

Settling in Wallington, she attended St Philomena's Junior School before progressing to the senior school.

At 16, her activities with the community began and she joined the 10th Banstead Cub Pack, a group she later ran before moving to the 1st Wallington Pack and then the 11th.

During her time with the scouts, she spearheaded a venture to take young people to Sri Lanka to build wells and her dedication was rewarded with a medal of merit.

In 1971, she married Peter Shelbourne and went on to have two sons, Gareth and Bryan, all the time staying involved with the scouts as district badge secretary.

In 1980, she joined the VCS - which recruits, trains and places volunteers - and four years later was asked to serve on the bench at Sutton Magistrates' Court.

Under her guidance, the centre grew from five staff to 32 and colleague Lorraine Porter said everyone was devastated at the loss of such a dynamic and good friend.

A funeral will be held at St Elphege's Church, 118 Stafford Road, Wallington, at 10am on Thursday, February 7, followed by a private cremation.

Her family have requested no flowers but welcome donations, to be made to Volunteer Centre Sutton via Trueloves 107, 9 Stafford Road, Wallington.