Although Sheila Margaret Nesta Garston was born in South Wales in 1924, Chester became her home when her family re-located here in the 1930’s and she was educated at Chester City High School from 1935 - 1940. On leaving school Sheila found employment as a civil servant with the War Department, Command Secretariat, where she had an administrative roll. In 1946 she transferred to the Ministry of Labour where she stayed until she was married. It was during this time that she met her husband, John. John had been invalided home from war duties in the Far East and spent time at Moston Hospital. He joined the local drama group in Upton and it was there that he first met Sheila, who was a particularly active member of the group either acting or producing as well as being Vice President of the Society. John and Sheila were married at Upton Parish Church (where Sheila was a choir member) in April 1952. The first house they moved into was The Lodge, at Backford Hall but they moved back to Upton where they settled and brought up their son Richard. Sheila has always had a keen interest in local government and joined Upton Parish Council in 1966, serving as chairman for part of that time. Running alongside that, she served on the Chester Rural District Council and the City Council where she was elected Mayor in May 1977. The list of Sheila’s involvement in local organisations is as long as it is varied; her sense of public duty is quite outstanding. She has been chairman of the board of governors, of most of the local schools; trustee and member of the Village Hall Management Committee; President of the women’s section of Upton Royal British Legion; Vice President of the Chester District Scouts and Cheshire Forest Girl Guides Association; Member of the Upton-by-Chester Golf Club, where she also enjoyed being Lady Captain. As well as these, Upton, commitments Sheila has also served as Director of Chester Race Company; as board member of MANWEB and the Local Electricity Consultative Council, the list is endless. On top of all this she managed to help with several fund raising projects locally, whether house-to-house collections or jumble sales Sheila did it with enthusiasm and dedication. In her spare time (?) she enjoyed visiting the theatre, reading, amateur dramatics and golf. Upton has truly benefited from having Sheila as resident!

Because of her very public position for many years she is featured in many event images within this website.