Amanda Carter Philpott – A Remarkable Lady who will always be remembered
It is with great sadness that I write of the lost of a very Remarkable woman, Friend, Previous Chair and Soroptimist in Amanda. She passed away very suddenly over the Easter weekend. When her passing was reported there was shock amongst all her friends in the suddenness. I was totally shocked. I had not known Amanda that long but was immediately inspired by her, by her passion to always help others, by her energy and tireless devotion, to her constant energy to come up with inspiring ideas. And we mustn’t forget her sense of humour. Amanda thank you for letting me be a small part of your life. You will always be remembered.
Let us take this moment to celebrate Amanda. Here are some remembrances from Members.
Vanessa was co-chair with Amanda and says:
“I first met Amanda when she was at the Probation Service and I was representing Works for Us at exploratory meetings about a women’s centre for MK. Amanda was forthright and passionate, balls-y even and I liked her immediately.
In the intervening years our organisations became neighbours in Norfolk House and then when SI:MK established we both found ourselves as members, in fact, Co-Chairs in 2018/19.
We both cared passionately about fairness and opportunity and it is no coincidence that Amanda has died as a serving member of the Women’s Equality Party sitting on her home council of Bletchley & Fenny Stratford.
An activist until the very end, you made me laugh Amanda and I am proud to have been able to join you on your journey”. Vanessa
Jean our Treasurer says “I first met Amanda when I joined Soroptimists, it was a pleasure getting to know her especially discovering we had the same wicked sense of humour. She was a remarkable woman, an inspirational role model who fiercely fought for any cause that she took on. The amount of work she took on would put others to shame. She was a lovely lady and friend and will be missed by all who knew her. The world will be a sadder place without her, a truly one off”. Jean
Helen Byrne from SI St Albans and last year’s Regional Resident wrote to say “I was shocked to hear the sad news about Amanda. She was such a lovely and inspiring lady and a shining example of what a Soroptimist can & should be. She will be sorely missed within the Region. Sending my condolences to you and to Amanda’s family and thinking of you all.” Helen Byrne, SI St Albans.
Sue our Treasurer said “Amanda was an extraordinarily strong woman – I learnt lots from her and will always value her for her contributions to promote those who were not always able to promote themselves. Even in busy times she made 1,000s of lockdown cakes for the refuge! Thank you, Amanda.”
And Angela, our first President and one of our founding members said “Anyone who ever met Amanda would immediately remember her; she was a vivacious and forthright woman with a filthy laugh and a big heart. Amanda never let her disability stop her from being involved with anything; in particular anything that she was passionate about. Her friends noticed that she was part of a loving team. Her devoted husband Ian would tenderly lift her into her wheelchair; quietly supporting her. Whizzing around in her wheelchair and long shiny boots she’d let you know if you were in her way and had a formidable reputation for making sure she was at the heart of any discussions.
She was a diminutive woman who cared HUGELY about people and would feistily champion those who were marginalised or disadvantaged. Amanda was incredibly proud to be part of MK and loved being photographed with MK Dons Women’s Football team when they attended our conference in 2016 and joined in the fun playing a role in our play ‘100 Years of Soroptimist History’ in 2021. As an active member of SI Milton Keynes, she provided wisdom and leadership; taking on the chair position with her usual gusto. She liked to challenge and provided plenty of opportunities for members “think differently” about our work with women and girls. Amanda embraced our values as soroptimists; believing absolutely in the need to be inclusive in our work. She will be remembered for her friendship by us all and sadly missed”.
Let us remember her with a smile and let her inspire us to continue the work we do to support our local charities and people in our community.
Amanda – A Remarkable Lady, Passionate, Inspiring, Tireless Champion for our community