Monmouthshire MP, Catherine Fookes has written a tribute to Vivien Mitchell who recently passed away.

“I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the brilliant, warm and dedicated environmentalist Vivien Mitchell.”

“I met Vivien when I got involved in Transition Monmouth many years ago, and she made a huge impression. She inspired me, and I often asked for her advice on local issues of importance.”

“She was very encouraging and supportive when i started to talk to her about getting involved in public life. I viewed her a role model, someone who knew how to get things done and understood that to get change, you had to being people with you.”

“Having been on the town council, she was adept at working with people from al parties and the officers too to achieve her aims of a greener Monmouth.”

“I told friends I was writing this tribute, and I asked them for one word to describe Vivien. The words that come back are “formidable” “pioneering” “determined” and “fearless” but she was also “kind and sociable.”- I’d agree entirely.

Vivien led with kindness and inclusivity, and she was a great collaborator, if she hadn’t been, we wouldn’t have the legacy of transition towns and ACE too, all around town from Wyesham to Rockfield, Vivien has left her mark.

Here was someone who wasn’t just going to carp from the sidelines about an issue, but someone who made real positive change to our town and our wider county- change that is still lasting today and will last long into the future too. It’s for that reason that I put her forward for a high Sheriff award, which she accepted with her with he usual self-depreciation.

From the wildlife garden beside Monmouth Comprehensive School to the community Orchard and Community Fridge, her projects and passion will live on.

Our thoughts go out to her family and friends and to all those in groups she was apar to, as I know they will be feeling her loss very keenly.