Heartfelt tributes to former Hyndburn Council leader who 'strived to make a difference'
Heartfelt tributes have poured in following the death of a former leader of Hyndburn Council who "strived to make a difference". Ed Saville, who was the leader of Hyndburn Council from 1986 until 1988, died at his home in Burnley from bowel cancer, which he had been living with for about three years.
Ed moved to Accrington to take up a post at St Christopher’s School, followed by a move to Accrington and Rossendale College to teach maths and computing. The beloved father-of-two was an Honorary Alderman after serving as a Hyndburn Councillor for eight years.
The union flag was flown at half-mast as a mark of respect. His son David, said: “My dad’s life was the epitome of service".
READ NEXT: All the Lancashire rivers and lakes where water companies have dumped our sewage
He added: “I struggle to think of things he did for himself, yet he’d go out of his way to help anyone. He saw a need and tried to help.
“Homelessness, poverty and exploitation are all areas where he strived to make a difference. At heart he was a teacher - and as a maths teacher he loved solving problems which is why he relished his work with organisations such as the emergency planning team at Lancashire.
“He was interested in everything and was a mine of information. I learned so much from him and I know so many others will feel the same too.
“However, his passing will be most keenly felt by his grandchildren who he loved to see succeed and now carry forward his passions for music and the outdoors. I’d also like to give a special mention to his dog Harvey who has been such a comfort to my dad in his final years and continues to bring joy to the rest of the family.”
Ed resigned from his position on Hyndburn council to join the ranks of the clergy. In 1987 he made the decision to seek ordination and took a three-year part-time course to train as a priest.
The decision to train for the priesthood coincided with an offer to become a Labour candidate for Parliament in a safe seat in Manchester, but Ed’s mind was made up.
He met his wife Pam at Bretton Hall and the couple were married in 1972. His first curacy was close to home in Accrington and the family pitched up in the curate’s house of St John’s and St Augustine’s, on the Huncoat estate.
In 2018, Ed, with Bishop of the Diocese Julian launched the local end of the national ‘Clewer Initiative’, combatting modern slavery in relation to reporting suspicious behaviour at car washes.
In 2019, Ed retired from his role as lead officer for social responsibility for the Church of England in Lancashire. Over the years, the devoted grandfather-of-four played an important role in the Diocese’s inter-faith relations work, and was the key officer liaison for the Diocese in relation to emergency planning; working with other stakeholders across the region.
Chair of Hyndburn Labour, Andy Tatchall, said: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of our former council leader, Ed Saville. Ed’s journey began in Accrington when he joined St Christopher’s School, later transitioning to Accrington and Rossendale College where he taught maths and computing.
“His dedication to education was matched by his passion for politics, which led him to serve as a councillor and eventually as the leader of our Labour group on Hyndburn Council. In a surprising turn of events, Ed announced his resignation from the council to pursue a calling in the clergy.
“In 1987, he took a significant step by seeking ordination and completed a three-year part-time course to train as a priest. His work in the Diocese, especially in inter-faith relations, was a testament to his commitment to community cohesion and social justice.
“Ed’s contributions to both our local community and the broader Diocese have left an indelible mark. He will be remembered fondly for his unwavering dedication to helping others and his efforts to promote unity and fairness. Our thoughts are with his family and all those who were touched by his work.”
Councillor Munsif Dad, leader of the council, said: “Ed Saville was an Honorary Alderman after serving as a Hyndburn councillor for eight years. He was leader of the council from 1986-1988.
“Ed resigned from his position on the council to join the ranks of the clergy. The council is saddened by his death and the union flag has been flown at half-mast as a mark of respect.
“We offer our condolences to all of Ed’s friends and family.”
Councillor Bernard Dawson added: “I had the privilege of serving as a ward councillor for Peel for several years alongside Ed. He was not just an excellent leader of the council, but also a friend.
“When Ed decided to step down to join the church, it was his personal request that brought me back to the council to stand for his former seat. Over the years, I kept in touch with Ed and we often chatted about our time together as councillors.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to his family during this difficult time.”
Ed is survived by his wife Pam and two children, Richard and David, and four grandchildren. His funeral took place on Wednesday, August 21 St Luke’s Church, Brierfield.