Biddulph has come together to share their tributes and memories of a "selfless and irreplaceable" councillors and volunteer after she passed away yesterday.

We were saddened to learn yesterday that the lady who passed away at Knypersley Reservoir was Biddulph town councillor and Biddulph In Bloom volunteering stalwart Hilda Sheldon MBE.

Since then, hundreds of people have shared their memories of Hilda, who spent 30 years volunteering to keep the town looking its blooming best.

At Nub News we have been flooded with messages, emails and comments from councillors, businesses and residents who all wanted to pay tribute to Hilda and say how valued she was in the Biddulph community.

We will include as many of those comments as possible below to serve as a tribute from the people of our town in their own words.

• Biddulph Town Council said: "We lowered the Town Hall flag on Wednesday 8 June 2022 as we would to commemorate the loss of someone who had dedicated their life to the enhancement of our town. There are few words that can convey the grief that Councillors and staff feel as the loss of Councillor Hilda Sheldon begins to sink in. We will laugh and cry as we remember her work in the town, her dedication to heritage and environmental projects, her generosity, strength and resilience. She was never afraid to challenge, when appropriate, or to offer a quiet reassuring word when she felt that was necessary. Often frustrated by processes, but determined and driven, Hilda worked with her volunteers and partners to improve our town and, in so doing, our lives. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, and we offer our sincere condolences to her family and many friends. With permission from the family, we will open a public book of condolence at the Town Hall. This will be open from 2pm today in the reception area. All are welcome."
• Jo and Paul Triner said: "Just wanted to say how sad we are to hear the awful news that Biddulph has lost one of its 'greatest' ladies. We had the privilege and the honour to meet Hilda on a few occasions as we have always tried to support her works, in Biddulph in Bloom, by opening our garden each year this event has taken place. She was a true, genuine, individual, who always showed a caring nature towards everyone. This is a huge, sad and devastating loss to the community as well as a tragedy for her family and friends. God bless her!"
• The Hanley Building Society said: "The Hanley Building Society in Biddulph would like to extend condolences to David and the family as well as the community of Biddulph following their sad loss. Hilda was a selfless individual and an irreplaceable member of the community. We will remember her for her kindness, understanding and compassion as well as her tireless commitment to the Biddulph Community. She will be fondly remembered by our team."
• Cllr Jill Salt said: "So very sad to hear that Cllr Hilda Sheldon MBE has passed away today. Her work in the Biddulph community is incomparable. Her tenacity was formidable. Her kindness knew no boundaries. Biddulph has lost a lady whose impact on our community is immeasurable. Hilda touched generations of families and will be very much missed. My love are thoughts are with Hilda's family and friends. Thank you Hilda, thank you."
• Cllr Charlie Smith said: "Saddened to hear of the passing of a wonderful councillor, an inspirational woman who's accolades speak for themselves. She will be sorely missed by myself and colleagues. The ripples of sadness are felt throughout the entire community tonight by all the people of Biddulph and beyond whose lives she made brighter in her many years in public service. My sincere condolences to her husband, David and her family and friends."
• Cllr Connor Brady said: "I'm extremely saddened to hear the news that Cllr Hilda Sheldon has passed away. Hilda was such an integral part of Biddulph and she leaves behind an extraordinary legacy in our community. Hilda was always kind and supportive of myself as a new Councillor and her incredible strength and courage in the face of adversity will forever be an inspiration to me."
• Biddulph High School said: "Many of you will have heard that Hilda Sheldon, Brammer's Shoe shop and 'Biddulph in Bloom' sadly passed away yesterday. She was a great friend to the school, supporting students with work experience and volunteering, and was a prominent member of the Biddulph community. We all send our sympathies and thoughts to her family and friends."
• Norma and Robert Knaggs said: "The saddest of news, one of the most dedicated and supportive people Biddulph has been proud to call our own. The passing of Hilda Sheldon is devastating for all of us who love our town. She worked tirelessly to restore our pride in Biddulph . She and the dedicated team she inspired , brightened our town, filled it with beautiful blooms, put the colour back into our streets and pride in our hearts. Biddulph's First Lady , Hilda your dedication and love will never be forgotten. We send our condolences to your husband and family."
• Biddulph Youth and Community Zone said: "Our thoughts and prayers tonight are with the family of Cllr Hilda Sheldon MBE who has sadly passed. Hilda was such an inspiring woman and worked so hard within our Community. Hilda dedication to her community was second to none. And we will all feel the sadness and miss her so much."
• Peter Toft said: "Hilda Sheldon was a dear friend of ours. We partnered her in her running of the allotment site on Well street, which for many years offered gardening experience and instruction to people on community service. Just one of her good works for the people of the town. All the young offenders who came under her shepherding care were touched for the better by her gracious and generous encouragement. She was a loving , caring person, full of energy and dedicated to the community. Her unending efforts for Biddulph brought transformations not only to previously unloved areas, but to the lives of the volunteers she led and inspired. She thoroughly deserved her MBE, and we were proud to be amongst many who recommended her for it. So many lives have been touched by her selflessness and caring. Everyone who knew her was enriched by the experience. We will never forget her and all that she did for us, and for the town."
• Cllr Chris Perkin said: "A true force of nature. She will be so missed."
• Little Rockets Day Nursery said: "We love our community here in Biddulph. We were so sad to hear of the passing of Hilda Sheldon MBE, as many of us can remember the litter picking and planting sessions we did with Hilda back in our school days. We will continue to support and do our bit to keep Little Rockets in bloom in her memory."
• Oasis Community Church said: "Our thoughts and prayers tonight are with the family of Cllr Hilda Sheldon MBE who has sadly passed away today. Hilda served our community wholeheartedly for many many years. Hilda had a heart of Gold, so gentle and kind yet also so strong and formidable. Our community will feel the ripple of her loss in more ways than I think we will realise. Just so so sad. It was an honour to know Hilda."
• Biddulph Methodist Church said: "Everyone at Biddulph Methodist Church is deeply saddened to hear of the death of our friend and neighbour Cllr Hilda Sheldon MBE. Hilda's work for the community and her year on year dedication to the hands on running of Biddulph in Bloom are an inspiration to us all. We offer our deepest sympathy to David and the family."
• John Robinson said: "There was only one Hilda Sheldon MBE, and the cost of losing the dynamo that drove the town on is immeasurable. Can I suggest that a stone plaque of remembrance be commissioned by public donation and installed, either near to the miners wheel or in the millennium garden. Obviously the wording would be reflective of her involvement in the area."
• Whittaker & Biggs Biddulph said: "We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Hilda Sheldon MBE, who was not only a Biddulph town councillor and Biddulph In Bloom volunteering hero but a valued member of the Biddulph community. Our thoughts are with her family in this very sad time."
• St Lawrence's Church said: "All at St. Lawrence's are very sad to hear of the tragic death of Councillor Hilda Sheldon. Hilda was the inspiration behind Biddulph in Bloom and worked tirelessly for the good of the whole community of our town. She was also a good friend to many of us here at St. Lawrence's. We send our deepest condolences to all her family at this sad time and assure them of our prayers for them and for all who counted Hilda as a friend."
• Hollinshead Coaches said: "Today the town lost one of its biggest champions. Many people will know Hilda through Biddulph Bloom. Up early and working late, 7 days a week with her team of volunteers, planting and weeding. Hilda was so much more than Biddulph in Bloom though. She never gave up on anyone and always saw the good in people, no matter what their background or history. If school wasn't your thing Hilda had a place for you on Biddulph in Bloom, if you struggled socially Hilda would be the one leaving a meal on your doorstep and calling in for a chat. Not just once but day after day and week after week. Young or old, rich or poor, it made no difference to her. She had time for each and every person in Biddulph."
• Mandy Lambert said: "All I can say is what an amazing lady you were Hilda, you have done so much for the town of Biddulph. I would like to say thank you for that, sending love to all the family and friends."
• Meekaya Black said: "What a lovely woman she was aswell, rest easy beautiful Biddulph will be lost without your lovely smiley face and all the beautiful flowers and day trips you planned."
• Susan Butler said: "So sorry to hear about Hilda, a lovely woman who always worked hard to make Biddulph a lovely place with flowers. My deepest sympathy to her family."
• Karen Turner said: "I'm heartbroken this lady was the heart and soul of Biddulph I'm glad to have known Hilda . Hilda you were one in a million and will miss our little chats. Most respectable lady I've ever met. Going to miss you Hilda."
• Michelle Holland said: "Such tragic news, Hilda was such an active member of the local community, she will be a huge loss. Thoughts are with her family."
• Kirsty Suzanne said: "Such sad news, massive part of our little town! A lot of people in Biddulph are saddened by this news. Made Biddulph look beautiful! Maybe Biddulph should come together and do some fundraising for something in memory of this lady."
• Wendy Lawton said: "How very very sad. She was a truly lovely lady, and an inspiration. My thoughts are with her family and friends/colleagues of Biddulph in Bloom. She was an absolute legend in Biddulph, and never gave up on the town she loved."
• Rita McDonald said: "Awful news! A wonderful lady who did so much for the community. God bless you Hilda, rest in peace. Deepest sympathy to her family."
• Jordan Beech said: "Just truly unbelievable and in shock she was such a lovely lady hope she's at peace Biddulph won't be the same without her."
• Naomi Hall said: "Absolutely awful news. Such a lovely woman who did so much for the town. Always kept the baskets and flower beds looking beautiful. Rest in peace."
• Ryan Elliott said: "Lovely lady, and local hero, wont be another person like Hilda so much done for Biddulph and others. So very sad! A privilege that so many have known Hilda."
• Hannah Wright said: "So sorry to hear this. As I'm sure many will agree she was one of the loveliest ladies and councillors I met and had the pleasure of knowing. She will certainly not be forgotten by so many for all that she did. Deepest sympathy to Hilda's close friends and family."
• Marianne Palin said: "Our town looks absolutely beautiful because of the care and efforts of Hilda and her Biddulph In Bloom team. She will be sorely missed by our community; a true treasure to our town. Sending thoughts and prayers to her family."
• Jane Garner said: "Hilda was incredible, inspirational and I'm so grateful for the major difference she made over many years to make our town so beautiful. Going back to her time at Brammers, she was so welcoming and made children's school shoes shopping a pleasure. Pancake Day at the town hall for Biddulph in Bloom was another long standing commitment by Hilda."
• Robert Brown said: "So sorry to hear of the passing of a truly inspirational lady who brought so much joy to our lives with her Biddulph in Bloom team. We will miss her so much. Sincere condolences to the family you are all in our thoughts and prayers tonight."
• Graeme Court said: "This is so sad. Sad for David and the family and sad for Biddulph. Hilda loved our town and showed it by her phenomenal efforts for the Biddulph in Bloom project for 40 years or so. This is a personal loss for me as a former Town Councillor and a great loss for the town."
• Julie Alcock said: "So sorry to hear this sad news. Hilda and her many volunteers worked tirelessly to make Biddulph a town to be proud of. Deepest condolences to her family at this sad time."
• Diane Gregory said: "So shocked and saddened to hear this news, Hilda was a credit to the whole town and community, sending my condolences to David and family, R.I.P. Hilda, you were the ' Blooming Best Of Biddulph ' and will be so sadly missed by everyone."