Ann Southcombe
A Journey of Strength, Passion, and Dedication
1953 - 2024
Early Life and Beginnings
Ann Southcombe was born Ann McDermott on 21st March 1953 in Ardwick, Manchester. Raised in poverty and faced with a challenging upbringing, she demonstrated resilience from an early age. Despite being forced to leave grammar school to work in a factory, Ann’s determination for a better life never wavered.
She found her passion in community work, a path that would define her life and impact many others. After marrying Phil Webb, she balanced raising four children—Anita, Phil, Amy, and Sarah—while becoming involved in her community in Hattersley especially the pioneering Community Cooperative: Community Routes
Building a Career and a New Life
Ann’s journey took her toStanford Hall Co-operative College, a transformative experience that expanded her knowledge and strengthened her commitment to social change.
By 1986, she had taken a bold step, leaving her marriage and moving toGlen House, a commune in Cragg Vale. Despite facing struggles, Ann’s unwavering spirit led her to a new chapter with Cliff Southcombe, and the following year, they had bought their first home together in Eccles. In 1990 she had her fifth child Laura with Cliff
A Career of Purpose
Ann quickly became an influential figure in social housing and community development. She managed theEccles Unemployed Centre and later rose to regional manager roles atLeeds and Yorkshire Housing Association (LYHA), where she oversaw housing projects in Whitby and Scarborough. Her experience growing up in social housing gave her a deep understanding of tenants’ needs, ensuring that their voices were heard and their concerns addressed.
Her commitment to excellence and fairness was widely recognised. The CEO of LYHA praised her work, saying he wished he had“ten Ann Southcombes” on his team.
A Life of Adventure and Love
In 1990, Ann and Cliff moved to Walsall, where they built a home and raised their children. Ann’s passion for community work continued as she took on roles in local development projects, developing projects atRoap Hall and overseeing Walsall’sCity Challenge Project before joining Walsall CVS.
Throughout her life, Ann welcomed people into her home, this included a young woman called Naomi who became part of her family. Her love for travel took her to nearly 30 countries, from Madagascar’s Nosy Komba to Indonesia. But no matter where she went, her heart always belonged to her family.
Facing Life’s Challenges
Ann’s later years were marked by health struggles, including an aneurysm that led her to step away from her housing career. However, she found new strength in running Falconhurst first as a Bed and Breakfast and then as Holiday Let in Robin Hood’s Bay.
Even when diagnosed with a terminal lung disease, Ann’s resilience never faded. She faced her illness with grace and determination, continuing to enjoy visits from her grandchildren and finding joy in everyday moments.
A Legacy of Love and Strength
Ann passed away on 15th September 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and community spirit. She was a fighter, a mentor, a mother, a grandmother, and a beloved member of the Robin Hood’s Bay community.
Her life was nothing short of extraordinary—a journey of overcoming adversity, building a career dedicated to helping others, and creating a loving home filled with warmth and generosity.
Ann Southcombe’s story is not just one of survival but of thriving against the odds. She will forever be remembered for the lives she touched and the change she inspired.
Ann, Your memory lives on.
