Family pays tribute to '˜colourful' councillor

Matthew Bell Burdess was well known in the community.

Former Seaham and Easington councillor Matthew Bell Burdess, 89, sadly died on January 17 following a short illness.

Described by his family as a ‘colourful character,’ Mr Bell Burdess, spent over 30 years as a councillor, first taking on the role in Seaham in the 1960s.

Now his granddaughter Andrea Burdess, 37, has paid tribute to her granddad, also known as ‘Matty’.

“He was a Labour councillor in Seaham for many years and was also a Independent councillor for Easington for over 20 years,” she said.

“He was born in 1927 and lived in Deneside in Seaham all of his life.

“He was a miner all of his life and worked at the Knack Pit in Seaham from being a teenager, before retiring due to ill health aged 58.

Former Seaham councillor Matthew Bell Burdess with one of his action groups.

“He was a councillor alongside being a miner and was also an active member of the Seaham Miners Union.”

Mr Bell Burdess was married to the late Mary Burdess and the pair had three children - Sylvia Baxter; Matthew Burdess and the late Elsdon Burdess.

He also leaves behind seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He was well known for being active in the community and set up Seaham Action Group in the 1970s which aimed to get young people into a job.

The great-grandad also set up Seaham Boxing Club, was chairman of Seaham Rugby Club and was one of the creators of Seaham Action Group and East Durham Community Initiative Ltd.

Mr Bell Burdess also took on the role of governor for Seaview Primary School.

Andrea added: “He was quite a colourful character.

“He painted the outside of his house blue and flew the St George’s flag in his garden, as he was quite patriotic.

“He always helped people who needed it and people would always go to him for advice.

“Everyone always said how generous he was and he was well respected.

“I am very proud of him, he was a well liked and well know man in the community.”

Mr Bell Burdess chose to have his body donated to medical science. His family will be holding a service in celebration of his life on Friday, February 17, at the Knack Club in Seaham from 12.30pm to 4.30pm.