Community stalwart June dies

A WOMAN well-known for her huge involvement in the community of Congresbury has died at the age of 90.

June Citro was for many years a central figure of the village and was widely-known for her involvement in numerous clubs, organisations and for her efforts in supporting Congresbury Community Transport.

Born in Wales, June was adopted at the age of eight by Mr and Mrs Bailey who ran the hardware shop by the village cross in Broad Street.

Educated at Yatton School, she trained in nursing and later move to Cornwall, where, during World War Two, she met an American GI, Charli Citro, who she later married.

Initially they lived above the hardware store and later moved into a house in The Causeway where June lived for more than 40 years. Charli died in 1977.

June belonged to both Congresbury WIs, the village history group and horticultural society and was also a Brown Owl with the local brownie pack. She also started a coffee and chat group and helped during over 60’s lunches in the village.

In 2000, she and a friend were instrumental in fundraising for a new community bus after they learned the old one was due to be sold.

Thanks to their efforts, a new bus was bought and was named Bluey. Since then Bluey Three has become an integral part of the community, completing more than 350 journeys each year with 16 volunteer drivers.

In recognition of her contribution to the community, MP Brian Cotter nominated June for the Older Volunteer’s Achievement award in 2004, which she received during a trip to the Houses of Parliament.

For the last five years of her life, June lived at Mendip Lodge Nursing Home in Claverham where she died on February 7. She leaves three children, Peter, Martin and Annette.

* A funeral will take place at St Andrew’s Church in Church Drive, Congresbury, at 1.30pm tomorrow (Fri).