Tribute as long serving former Doncaster councillor dies aged 79

Roni Chapman was involved in politics for 63 years, served on Doncaster Council for 21 years, and was interviewing potential Labour candidates until a few days before she died, on September 1.

Former Doncaster MP Caroline Flint described Ms Chapman as a great friend to Doncaster, as well as a great representative and community volunteer, adding she achieved a huge amount for one lifetime.

She said Ms Chapman was still active in the Labour Party, chairing a party forum that supports candidates to stand for election; interviewing future candidates just days before her death.

She served for many years on the Yorkshire and Humber Labour Party Regional Board, representing the Co-operative Party. In 2008, she was awarded Yorkshire Labour Woman of the Year and in 2013 a National Merit Award for her long service to the party.

Ms Chapman served as a councillor for three wards over 21 years, representing Richmond ward, Bessacarr ward and Town Field respectively, with only brief interruptions. She chaired Doncaster Council’s Social Services Committee during her final term. The ward was abolished in 2004, but Roni’s activism didn’t end, later serving as a Rossington parish councillor.

Ms Flint said: “An experienced librarian, working in several local authorities, it is less well known that she was a librarian for the Coal Board in Doncaster in 1984 and went on strike for almost a year.

“Roni never compromised and was passionate about community and social justice, she was a trustee of Cantley Poor’s Land Trust for 30 years, supporting families in that parish. She was chair of Bessacarr Primary School for many years, a governor at Hall Cross School and before that Ellers Middle School.

“Roni held many chair and committee roles on local health authorities; primary care trusts; South Yorkshire’s Probation Service; the Doncaster Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders and Women’s Aid.

“A woman of strong principles, always active, never the bystander, devoted to Doncaster. Constantly thinking of others. Roni was a remarkable woman, I am proud to have called her a friend. Our thoughts are with her family John, Jane, Melanie, Daniel and Grace.”

Thank you to all who support local journalism with a print subscription. The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you. Please subscribe here https://www.localsubsplus.co.uk/ so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.