Mary Riley, a trailblazer in the field of town and country planning, has passed away at the age of 101. She holds the distinction of being the first woman to be appointed a county officer in England and Wales, a position she attained in 1973. Throughout her life, Mary made significant contributions to the realm of planning, leaving a lasting impact on communities across the nation.
A Champion for Communities
In 1983, Mary made history once again by becoming the first female chair of the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA). During her tenure, the TCPA launched the Planning Aid service, giving a voice to communities affected by top-down decisions. This initiative played a crucial role in empowering individuals to actively participate in shaping their own neighborhoods.
A Childhood Fueled by Inspiration
Mary’s journey began in Liverpool, where she was born to Edith and Tom Burns. Growing up in a musical household, she developed a passion for the arts and attended concerts from a young age. At just six years old, Mary had the unforgettable experience of shaking hands with the renowned composer Sergei Rachmaninov after attending a concert at St George’s Hall.
An Advocate for Equality and Rebuilding
Having witnessed the effects of the Great Depression and the devastating bombings on Liverpool’s port during World War II, Mary became deeply committed to reducing social and economic inequalities. Her desire to rebuild a fairer society led her to study geography at the London School of Economics, which had temporarily relocated to Cambridge due to the blitz.
A Pioneering Path
After graduating in 1943, Mary served in St Andrew’s House in Edinburgh during the war. Following the war’s conclusion, she excelled in the civil service exams, ranking third in the nation. Mary joined the regional office in Birmingham, where she focused on social and economic planning for the West Midlands. Recognizing the potential in local planning authorities, she applied for the role of assistant county planning officer for Staffordshire council in 1949, leading their research team.
By 1973, Mary had risen to the position of county planning officer for Staffordshire. She played a pivotal role in Staffordshire’s accomplishment of becoming the first English county to prepare a long-term strategy following a nationwide reorganization of planning departments in 1974.
Inspiring Collaborations and Community Involvement
In addition to her leadership roles, Mary actively supported groundbreaking initiatives that sought to involve local communities in shaping their future. She wholeheartedly backed the development of “Planning for Real,” an innovative approach pioneered by Tony Gibson. This collaborative effort empowered community members to actively contribute towards their local area’s development. Moreover, Mary served as a founder trustee of the Neighbourhood Initiatives Foundation, established in 1988 to support similar grassroots initiatives.
Remembering Mary Riley
During his tenure as director of the TCPA from 1998 to 2001, the author of this article had the honor of getting to know Mary personally. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mary was a devoted Anglican and a true Christian socialist. Her first marriage to Dennis Riley sadly ended with his passing, while her second husband, Desmond Matthews, survives her.
Mary Riley’s contributions to the field of town and country planning have left an indelible mark. As we mourn her passing, let us remember her as a trailblazer and a remarkable advocate for participatory planning and community empowerment.
FAQs
Who was Mary Riley?
Mary Riley was a pioneer in the field of town and country planning in England and Wales. She became the first woman to be appointed a county officer and the first female chair of the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA). Mary played a crucial role in launching the Planning Aid service, which empowered communities affected by top-down decisions.
What were some of Mary Riley’s achievements?
Mary Riley led Staffordshire county in becoming the first English county to prepare a long-term strategy following a nationwide planning reorganization. She also supported the groundbreaking initiative “Planning for Real,” which allowed local communities to actively participate in shaping the future of their areas.
What was Mary Riley’s background?
Born in Liverpool, Mary came from a musical household and had a passion for the arts. She studied geography at the London School of Economics and served in Edinburgh during World War II. Mary’s experiences during the Great Depression and witnessing the bombings of Liverpool inspired her lifelong commitment to reducing social and economic inequalities.
Conclusion
Mary Riley’s pioneering spirit and commitment to community involvement have left an indelible impact on the field of town and country planning. Her work as a county officer, chair of the TCPA, and supporter of participatory initiatives have empowered countless individuals to shape their neighborhoods and work towards a fairer society. As we honor Mary’s memory, let us continue to strive for inclusive and collaborative planning practices that respect the voices of all community members.
