Remarkable career of Shirley Tart, who so loved her county
Shirley Tart, a remarkable journalist who served Shropshire for 63 unbroken years, has died.
Shirley, who died peacefully at home on Christmas Day, was one of those who helped set up the Shropshire Star.
She reported on the county she loved so much and took leadership roles at Hope House Hospice, Shropshire Girl Guiding and at Ironbridge Gorge Museum.
Shirley also proudly served as deputy lord lieutenant and was awarded an MBE in 2005 for services to newspapers.
Shropshire Star editor Martin Wright said: “Shirley was a remarkable journalist who enjoyed an extraordinary career.
“To have worked in the industry for more than 60 years is an achievement in itself, but to have retained such enthusiasm and passion for the industry throughout is what really set Shirley apart. To have worked alongside Shirley for nearly 10 years was a real privilege.
“Shirley also worked tirelessly for good causes, and in particular for Hope House Children’s Hospice. She will be sorely missed by everyone at the Midland News Association and by many, many people in the wider community.”
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King Charles’ representative in Shropshire paid tribute to Shirley Tart’s “encyclopaedic” knowledge of the Royal family, and her great kindness.
Shirley had a strong connection to the Royal Family as the Shropshire Star’s royal correspondent and as a former deputy lieutenant for the county.
Anna Turner, Lord Lieutenant for Shropshire, knew first hand how important the royals were to Shirley, and was able to tap into her vast knowledge on several occasions.
“She had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the Royal Family,” she said. “She will have forgotten more about the Royal Family than I will ever remember. She was so kind. I shall miss her support and advice a lot. She was just so generous with her advice, and she had a great sense of humour.”
Andy Goldsmith, chief executive of Hope House, said: "Shirley was with Hope House from the very start and was hugely instrumental in rallying support for the idea of a children’s hospice to serve our region. She has been an influential patron, a hard-working ambassador and a true and loyal friend to Hope House, publicising our work and even writing a book about us.
“Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.”
