Torridge Lib Dems honour Bideford stalwart

The Liberal Democrat constituency office in Bideford has been renamed The Brian Shambrook Centre in honour of the man who managed the Liberal Club in Bideford for more than 30 years. Lib Dem members and friends, together with former MP Lord Burnett and members of Brian's family, gathered at the office in Chingswell Street to unveil a plaque in recognition of Mr Shambrook's services maintaining the lively and well-attended Liberal Club on the High Street for so many years. 

Ray Auvray, Chair of Trustees, said:

'There has been a Liberal Club in this town for over 120 years. It was set up in 1896 as a place for people with liberal values to meet, to socialise, and to discuss political issues of the day. This plaque is a token of our appreciation of Brian Shambrook's work not only in running the club, but in managing the sale of the property in 2018 together with the purchase of a new, more convenient base nearer the centre of town. This centre will be our campaigning base as we head into the next General Election.’ 

Lord Burnett said:

‘I knew Brian Shambrook well and was proud to call him my friend. He was a good, honourable man, deeply committed to the Liberal Democrat cause and I am delighted that we are celebrating his memory in this way.'

Also present at the unveiling were Brian's widow, Janice Shambrook, his daughters, and other members of his family, together with Lib Dem Councillors Shirlyann Andrews and Chris Wheatley, and other Liberal Democrat members.