On Wednesday 24th February, after cycling to Sidford in the afternoon sunshine, Fortfield Terrace resident 71 year old Jo Frith died suddenly. Her family and neighbours are devastated. She will be sorely missed.

Following a post mortem, there will be a quiet family interment at the graveside, followed in a few months’ time by a public celebration of Jo’s life, to which everyone who knew her, will be invited to contribute.

Tributes to her life and work have been flowing in from individuals and organisations who regarded her as their friend and champion.

On her retirement from a career in IT (mainly with IBM), Jo Frith brought to Sidmouth, and to the wider Devon community her keen analytical mind together with wit, good humour and immense kindness.

A one-time Councillor in the London Borough of Richmond, Jo’s knowledge of local government enabled her to play a leading role as a volunteer for the Devon County education service. She was also an invaluable member of the Vision Group for Sidmouth in its liaison work between the community and local government.

Her commitment to environmental sustainability led her to be the secretary of various organisations over the past decade, from East Devon Green Energy to the Independent East Devon Alliance. Ironically it was Jo herself who had convened the EDA Executive meeting which gathered in Sidmouth three days after her shockingly sudden death, where members reflected in silence on her years of dedicated service to the community.

Many Sidmothians may have known Jo only as the cheerful holder of a signpost in the High Street on the second Saturday of each month, pointing the way to the monthly Farmers’ Market, promoted by the Vision Group for Sustainable Sidmouth.

Behind the scenes Jo pointed the way to many other projects to preserve and enhance our town and the future survival of our species.

Her experience in Iceland and elsewhere gave her a unique insight for the Department for the Environment pathfinder project on erosion and coastal management on the Jurassic Coast. She was a fund of knowledge on innovative renewable energy projects that could be profitably applied to our coastline. She worked indefatigably to encourage local government to take action on flood management and to reduce the risks of flooding from rivers, sea and rainfall. Recently she has been serving as an expert community representative advising EDDC on Sidmouth’s Beach Management Project.

Jo’s personal life exemplified her ethical commitment to life on earth. Her early decision not to have children was a gesture against over-population that also freed her for service to the wider community.

In recent years, she made her home in Fortfield Terrace where neighbouring flats were occupied by her 95 year old father John, her sister Gita, and her nephew Duncan. With her extended family she strove to enhance the Fortfield Terrace community both culturally and sharing resources to demonstrate models of energy efficiency.