Pioneering Stroud leader and foster carer Val Gardiner remembered

Val Gardiner, Stroud’s first female district council chair and a long-time foster carer, has died; a funeral service is scheduled for Friday 20 February at The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Beeches Green, Stroud.

Val Gardiner, who served as Stroud District Council's first female chair and was a long-time foster carer, has died. She was known locally for public service and for opening her home to dozens of children across several decades. Her election as council chair was reported as a milestone for women in local government. Those who knew her remember warmth, resilience and a steady focus on community. Reported details: - Val Gardiner is reported to have been Stroud District Council's first female chair. - Over several decades she opened her home to 46 foster children, according to the announcement. - The article describes her council work as presiding with fairness and representing the district at civic engagements. - A funeral service is scheduled for Friday 20 February at The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Beeches Green, Stroud, at 10.30am. - The family requests donations to Young Gloucestershire and Emmaus Gloucestershire in lieu of flowers, as noted in the notice. Summary: Her public and private work is described as having strengthened local civic life and provided stability for many young people. A funeral service is scheduled for Friday 20 February at The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Beeches Green, Stroud at 10.30am, and the family has asked for donations to Young Gloucestershire and Emmaus Gloucestershire in place of flowers.