Long-serving former Wealden District councillor Mrs Jonica Fox has died after a long illness, bravely borne.
A past Chairman of the council, planning committee chairman and hard-working councillor for Five Ashes, Mrs Fox worked tirelessly for her local community and the wider Wealden district over many years and was both well-known and highly-respected in the district.
Having achieved a BSc (Hons) in Viticulture & Oenology from the University of Brighton, Plumpton College, with her devoted husband, Gerard (a former county councillor), she ran Fox & Fox vineyard near Mayfield for over 21 years, and produced award-winning sparking wines.
Jonica was a Board member of Wine GB, the national association for the English and Welsh wine industry; a former trustee of The Sussex Community Foundation and past Council member at the National Trust.
Chairman of Sussex Weald Conservatives, and former Leader of Wealden District. Council, Bob Standley said: Jonica was a dedicated champion for her community and her enthusiastic approach to life was infectious.
"This included building up an award-winning vineyard in addition to her community work. As chairman of Planning North at Wealden District Council she built a reputation of fairness and firmness.
"Jonica will be greatly missed by all that had the privilege of working with her."
