FORMER Huntingdon MP, Lord Renton, has launched an appeal in memory of former Government Minister and Cambridgeshire County Council leader Emily Blatch, who died on May 31 last year. Baroness Blatch of Hinchingbrooke, was ennobled by Margaret Thatcher in

FORMER Huntingdon MP, Lord Renton, has launched an appeal in memory of former Government Minister and Cambridgeshire County Council leader Emily Blatch, who died on May 31 last year.

Baroness Blatch of Hinchingbrooke, was ennobled by Margaret Thatcher in 1987. She served under another former Huntingdon MP, ex-Prime Minister Sir John Major, as a popular education Minister - even with political opponents - and became a Shadow Minister and deputy leader of the Conservative Party in the House of Lords in Opposition.

The appeal is being made to Lady Blatch's friends and acquaintances throughout Huntingdonshire. Proceeds from the initial appeal will be used to commission a life-size bronze bust, which will have a permanent home in Hinchingbrooke School, Huntingdon, where she was chairman of governors for many years and where her children, including BBC broadcaster, James Blatch, were educated.

Additional proceeds are likely to be given to educational or musical charities - two of Emily Blatch's passions.

The Conservative Party's agent in Huntingdon, Sir Peter Brown, stressed that none of the money would go to the party.

Lord Renton, who represented the town in the House of Commons, from 1945 until 1979, said: "We all have warm memories of Emily, and we have a duty to ensure that her life and work are remembered for generations to come.

"The bust will be an everlasting reminder of someone who gave so much of her time to local and national affairs."

It will be sculpted by internationally renowned artist Shenda Amery, a former resident of Huntingdonshire.

CONTACT: Donations can be sent to HCCA, 2 Archers Court, Stukeley Road, Huntingdon PE29 6XG, with cheques made payable to HCCA (Emily Blatch Memorial Appeal). The association promises to acknowledge them individually.