A service of thanksgiving and a celebration of the life of Ken Spence took place at the Methodist Christ Church, Carr Road, Nelson today (Wednesday 22 July). 

Local MP, Gordon Prentice, joined the packed congregation to hear the Rev Andrew Turner paint a gloriously vivid picture of Ken’s full and varied life.  

Speaking afterwards, the MP said: “Ken, and his wife Amy, who sadly died a few years ago, were pillars of the local Labour Party. They were childhood sweethearts who went on to marry. They had lived in the same village in Durham and went to the same school and became lifelong companions.” 

“Ken was active until fairly recently and was always there at our monthly Pendle Labour Party meetings, offering insights and advice on the political developments of the day. His politics were rooted in his Methodism. His watchwords were fairness and justice. He was always pressing me to persuade the Government to bring the water industry – and the railways – back into public ownership.  He knew when the public were being ripped off!” 

“Ken was always ready to make a political statement, often in an understated kind of way. He planted red and yellow tulips – the Labour Party colours - in his front garden in Bentley Street which came into bloom around election time every year!” 

“Ken Spence was a man of many parts. The inspiring headteacher.  The respected politician, working tirelessly for the local area. A magistrate of 30 years experience, chairing the local bench. A Methodist superintendent bringing to countless children an understanding of their faith. A family man, devoted to his children and grandchildren.” 

“Ken will be remembered in the Labour party for his lifelong record of service to local government and for his socialism which was gentle and unabrasive and all about our common humanity. He richly deserved being granted the Freedom of Pendle in 2002.” 

“Most of all, we shall all remember Ken as a friend. And we shall miss him.”