Tributes to St Annes trade stalwart Arnold

Glowing tributes have been paid to St Annes Chamber of Trade stalwart Arnold Sumner.
Arnold SumnerArnold Sumner
Arnold Sumner

Mr Sumner, who was 85, died in hospital this week after collapsing with an aneurysm and being taken to Blackpool Victoria and then Royal Preston Hospital.

Born and bred in St Annes, he was founder and long-time co-ordinator of the town’s Chamber of Trade and a successful business owner in his own right, following in the footsteps of his father Edgar, who ran a cycle shop in the town.

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He was widely and popularly considered a notable ambassador and ‘font of all knowledge’ of St Annes, serving on the Town Council and supporting a host of local organisations and events.

Colin Ballard, chairman of the St Annes Enterprise Partnership, which took on the Chamber of Trade’s mantle when the Chamber was effectively wound up around four years ago, said: “Arnold was a true gentleman who was St Annes born, bred and ingrained.

“He was a valuable source of knowledge, support and inspiration for the future development of the town; founder and philanthropist to the Chamber of Trade who pioneered so much to support local businesses. Our love and prayers to his family.”

Among a host of tributes on social media, Alison Hocking said: “Such a lovely, helpful man. He always believed in everyone’s business in St Annes.

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Beverley Harrison added: “He was a man who truly cared about St Annes and did his best to fight for its welfare and development.”

Pat May, founder of the St Annes Kite Festival and which he first mooted at a meeting of the Chamber of Trade nine years ago, said: “Arnold was one of the nicest locals ever - a great advocate and passionate about the town.”

Mr Sumner leaves a wife, Jill, a son, a daughter, a grandson and two sisters.

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