We were delighted to receive a Local Recognition for Ruth Brown, someone who works hard for our community in so many different ways. She was nominated by her colleague from Royston Liberal Democrats, Dr Carol Stanier, and as you can see, her involvement in the community goes far beyond her political role.
Ruth has lived in Royston for over 35 years and her children grew up here. She has family all over the world, including siblings in America and Australia, and son and daughter-in-law (with recent first grandchild) in Africa. And yet still, she embodies so much that is Royston.
Tell us why you are nominating Ruth Brown
Ruth is a Town, District (North Herts) and County Councillor. Previously she led Trinity Life Church and was a governor at Tannery Drift School. She has sung with the Choral Society, is a committed member of the Town Twinning (her family regularly host the Mayor of Grossalmerode, Royston’s German Twin Town), and swims at the leisure centre in the morning “Swim Fit” sessions.
Ruth is leader of the District Lib Dem group and was Deputy leader in the Lib Dem/Labour joint administration. She was a Liberal from an early age, riding David Steele’s Battle Bus with her father during the 1983 election campaign. But I know she will tell you that she is a Lib Dem because it mostly agrees with her values; it does not dictate them.
Ruth makes a point of shopping locally – you will never meet her in Tesco’s as she boycotts it, alongside Amazon, shopping at local shops in preference to support them. She cycles all over town instead of driving, and travels to her council meetings by train unless a car share is available, all to protect the environment. She was selected as a “Local Green Champion” by the national group Green Liberal Democrats for her many contributions in this area.
What makes Ruth stand out?
Ruth’s known as a talker! She’s frequently running a few minutes late for things because she stopped to talk to several people on the way. In Pilates class we watch her from the window as she stops to talk to folk coming out of the previous class and gradually makes her way into the class just as everyone else has set up. When canvassing door to door, she is always the one left behind because she got into a long conversation with someone; this is because she cares so much. She knows so many people around town. Many of us know to our cost that Ruth is excellent at persuading people to do things! But on the flip side she is also very good at showing her gratitude with nicely written cards, flowers, or just making a point of saying thank you. And you can be assured that if Ruth asks you to do one thing, it is because she is already doing ten other things!
Can you share an example of how Ruth goes above and beyond in her role?
She is a practising Christian and was heavily involved in leading Trinity Life Church. And yet, to me, as a non-religious person, she is one of the very few Christians I have met who actually embodies the love, charity, selflessness and kindness that her religion requires. She doesn’t preach (except within the church!) and accepts without judgement. Her honesty, integrity and generosity underpin everything about her. She once lent me her car for a week to get me and my family through a difficult time.
Ruth is everywhere! From running Royston in Blue to helping out at the May Fayre, you won’t just see her knocking on your door. The sheer breadth of what she does on behalf of others is astounding, and is the main reason I am nominating her.
Why do you think Ruth deserves to be recognised?
Ruth stays true to her beliefs even when they are not popular. I can think of several political examples of this but perhaps the most current is her opposition to free town centre parking for environmental reasons, in favour of walking, cycling and public transport. She will stand up for those less fortunate than her and always apologise if she has made a mistake or explain if she changed her mind. In my mind, this singles her out from many local and national political figures. Her life is based here in Royston and the town is always her first consideration. When she learned that North Herts council were considering rolling out on-street recycling bins, she fought successfully for Royston to be the first town in which they were installed.
