MEMBERS of Swindon’s community shared their memories of long-serving Adver reporter Shirley Mathias.

Thousands of people read Shirley’s reports and opinion columns during her decades at the newsdesk and she met thousands of people in the town over the course of her career.

She was a member of the Swindon Standing Conference of Women’s Organisations in the '60s and '70s.

Former conference chair Barbara Macpherson remembered her. said: “Shirley was very influential in bringing women’s affairs to public notice.

“The standing conference was not a women’s lib organisation, but one which promoted the fact that women had a place in society, industry and commerce, as well as in the home.

“Over the years many small things changed. I well remember being asked to speak to the mayor, who was interested in the movement, and how pleased we were to be offered the use of the council chamber for an event.

“The young will laugh to hear what that meant to women in the Sixties. I’m sure many women in the town will share my sadness at the news of Shirley’s passing.”

Coun Stan Pajak has been part of Swindon's political scene since the 1980s. He said: "Shirley was a big name in the local newspaper world, everyone recognised her, knew her name and thought well of her.

"She was a constant in life - her column always featured the issues of the day and highlighted people's problems. I appreciated the work that she did."

Mary Ratcliffe of Old Town wrote to the Adver in 2008 after learning of Shirley's retirement. These kind words no doubt reflected how many Adver readers felt about her leaving the profession.

Mary wrote: “Shirley’s forthright approach to the uncomfortable truth is legendary. It was her hallmark, in the same fearless mould as Jean Rook, a highly-esteemed Daily Express journalist many years ago.

“Shirley did not court popularity. She tackled serious issues and went where others feared to tread.

“Her training with the Adver developed and enhanced her natural ability, her depth of gravitas and her dedication to seek the truth. She was always true to herself.

“Shirley will be greatly missed for her unique contribution and her inner strength that enabled her to be of great service to the world of journalistic endeavour with total commitment.

“To Shirley, dear friend, we extend to you our very grateful thanks and our respect for your dedicated journalism.”

MORE TRIBUTES: Family and former colleagues remember 'Queen of Swindon' Shirley Mathias