GRACE BARBER

Grace Barber was born to Fred Barber and Alice his wife on the 26th December 1908. The family farmed at Highgate Farm, Sileby; the head of the household in 1909-10 being her grandfather Samuel. Grace assisted on the farm; at first she helped her father Fred, and continued there after his death. In 1939 she is listed as aiding her brother George with dairying and poultry duties. Her passion for farming and the hard work it entailed was outlined in a booklet 'Golden Days Remembered', in which she recounts her early days on the farm and the effect of the war. Grace was also an active church worker and a brass commemorative plaque in the parish church reflects this. She never married.

However, it was her political and local government exploits that she is most well known:

- She joined Sileby Parish Council in 1958
- Was a lifelong Conservative group member
- Was a councillor to the Barrow Rural District Council (RDC) from 1958 until 1973
- Continued as a councillor on Charnwood Borough Council until 1991
- Given the position of Honorary Alderman by CBC in 1991, in recognition of her many years of service.
She was only one of three people to have held the position at the time it was given.