Index
Terry Messenger

Terry Messenger was one of the dominant figures in Catholic Labour, a loose knit group which included surprising people like John Walsh (a notable freemason, I believe-- Catholics are not supposed to be Freemasons). He had several very interesting daughters, notably Dympna LaRasle and Emelda, whom Tony Coll went out with for quite a time. In the 1980s he left the Labour Party and joined the Social Democratic Party. At the time this seemed like an astute political move, but two decades later the SDP (now fully integrated into the Liberal Party) only seems to have prevented the Labour Party from becoming a more adventurous and libertarian organisation (socialism was off the agenda thanks to membership of the European Union). However, the Liberal Democrats keep on increasing their Parliamentary strength and promise to make the big break through after just one more heave... Well, maybe.


Terry Messenger as the last mayor of Levton in 1964-65
Council veteran dies

TERRY Messenger, who served the people of Waltham Forest as a councillor for the best part of 40 years, died suddenly last Wednesday. He was 78.

Born in Farmer Road, Leyton, he was the third of four children. He was educated at St Joseph's and Ruckholt Schools before joining the Post Office as a telegraph messenger at the age of 14.

During the 1930s, he became a sorter then an officer of the Post Office Savings Bank.

The second world war put a temporary halt to his career.

He was in The Royal Artillery until he was discharged on medical grounds.

Post-war, he became involved with Labour party politics and was elected to the former Leyton Council for Lea Bridge ward in 1952.

He and his wife Mary were chosen as the last Mayor and Mayoress of Leyton in 1964-65. He then became the first leader, later deputy leader of the new Waltham Forest Council.

Mr Messenger was out of the council for four years from 1968 when Labour lost power in the Lea Bridge ward but returned again in 1972.

In the early 1980s, he entered one of the most controversial periods of his life when he left the then divided Labour party to join the new Social Democratic Party.

It was a step which cost him his seat in the 1982 election.

But the council benches had not yet seen the last of Terry Messenger.

He came bouncing back again in 1986 as SDP/Liberal Alliance member of the Chapel End ward of Walthamstow.

He finally took his leave of the political fray in 1990, though he continued to hold the post of President of Walthamstow Liberal Democrats.

He retired from paid work in 1976, ending his working days in a senior post in the Home Service, having by then been in Government service for over 45 years.

Throughout his life, Mr Messenger was a devout Roman Catholic and a regular worshipper at St Joseph's, Leyton, and at St George's, Walthamstow.

He was also a school governor at St Patrick's, Walthamstow, Holy Family College, Walthamstow and St Patrick's School, Leyton.

In 1977, in recognition of his services to Catholic education, he was awarded the Benemerente papal medal.

In a tribute, Liberal Democrat Councillor Peter Leighton said this week: "All who knew Terry recognised he had an incisive mind and a great grasp of political and moral philosophy."

Mr Messenger is survived by his widow, five children Maire, Dympna, Sheila, Imelda and Terry and 11 grandchildren.

His funeral was due to be held yesterday (Thursday).

Waltham Forest Guardian March 24, 1995