Brookes Street in Llandudno, a quiet road in the heart of Conwy county, was the scene of tragedy on Monday morning, September 1, 2025, as Daphne Stallard, aged 89, lost her life after being struck by a council refuse lorry. The incident, which took place at around 9am near Madoc Street, has sent shockwaves through the local community and far beyond, stirring tributes and grief from church leaders, family, and residents alike. Daphne Stallard was not only a beloved volunteer at Holy Trinity Llandudno Junior Church, but also the mother of Mary Stallard, the Bishop of Llandaff in Cardiff.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the incident, with a significant presence that included the air ambulance. Despite their efforts, Daphne Stallard was pronounced dead at the scene. North Wales Police reported that a man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. However, he has since been released under investigation, as authorities continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the collision. According to BBC News, Conwy Council confirmed that one of its recycling vehicles was involved in the incident, and the local authority has extended its condolences to the Stallard family.
The loss has been deeply felt within the church community. Holy Trinity Llandudno Junior Church, where Daphne was a regular volunteer, shared its sorrow in a heartfelt social media post: "Many of you will have seen the report of the death of a local 89-year-old woman hit by a recycling truck. We are sorry to report that the victim was Daphne Stallard, a regular helper at Junior Church." The church’s statement reflected the affection held for Daphne by those who knew her, and tributes quickly poured in from friends and parishioners. One woman described Daphne as a "lovely lady," while another called the event "heart-breaking" for both her family and the wider community, as reported by North Wales Live.
But Daphne’s impact reached far beyond her volunteer work. The Reverend Mike Harrison of Llandudno paid an especially moving tribute, shedding light on her remarkable life and achievements: "She read chemistry at Cambridge in a generation where that was rare. She was head of science at the prestigious King Edward VI School, Birmingham for Girls while bringing up 3 children. She was a woman of deep Christian faith, supporting the ministry of her husband, Revd Charles Stallard. The role of Vicar's Wife has no job description but Daphne went about it quietly but with distinction always knowing who needed support. She encouraged the gifts of her 3 children, Andrew, Mary and John. Mary followed her mum to Cambridge and became one of the first women priests in the Church in Wales and is now Bishop of Llandaff. Despite her accomplishments, Daphne was still happy to help make the drinks for Holy Trinity Junior Church, Llandudno, up until her death."
The sense of loss is magnified by Daphne’s close relationship with her daughter, Bishop Mary Stallard, a pioneering figure in the Church in Wales. The Archbishop of Wales, Cherry Vann, released a statement expressing the collective grief of the church community: "It was with the most profound shock and sorrow that I heard of the tragic death of Bishop Mary’s mother, Daphne. I know that all members of the Church in Wales, and all those who know Bishop Mary, will join with me in offering their sincere sympathies and their prayers for her and her family at this very sad time." The Archbishop’s words, echoed across national and local media, underscored the deep connection between the Stallard family and the church.
North Wales Police, meanwhile, have launched a full investigation into the circumstances of the collision. Their Serious Collision Investigation Unit is appealing for witnesses who may have been in the vicinity of Brookes Street on the morning of September 1. Sgt Duncan Logan of North Wales Police stated, "The lady’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers, and our thoughts and sympathies are very much with them at this incredibly difficult time." The police have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact them, quoting reference number 25000723615, as they work to establish the cause of the tragedy. The Health and Safety Executive has also confirmed it will be investigating the incident, reflecting the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the matter.
Conwy Council, whose recycling vehicle was involved, has offered its thoughts and condolences to Daphne Stallard’s family. The council has stated that it cannot comment further until the police investigation has concluded, a position shared by many official bodies in the wake of such incidents. The local authority’s response, along with that of the church, highlights the care being taken to support the Stallard family and the wider community during this time of mourning.
The outpouring of tributes to Daphne Stallard reveals the breadth of her influence and the depth of her character. As a volunteer, educator, and mother, she touched countless lives. Her academic achievements—studying chemistry at Cambridge at a time when few women did so—set her apart as a trailblazer. Her professional career as head of science at King Edward VI School, Birmingham for Girls, and her commitment to her family and faith, further cemented her legacy. The Reverend Harrison’s words captured this spirit, noting how Daphne’s support extended quietly but meaningfully to those around her, always attentive to the needs of others.
In the wake of the tragedy, the community’s response has been one of unity and remembrance. Parishioners, friends, and local residents have shared memories and messages of condolence, painting a picture of a woman whose kindness and dedication left a lasting mark. For many, the shock of the accident is compounded by the knowledge that Daphne was still actively involved in church life, helping out at Holy Trinity Junior Church right up until her final days.
As the investigation continues, attention remains focused on supporting the Stallard family and ensuring that the circumstances of the accident are fully understood. The involvement of multiple agencies, including North Wales Police and the Health and Safety Executive, underscores the gravity of the event and the commitment to uncovering the facts. For now, the community of Llandudno—and indeed the wider Church in Wales—mourns the loss of a remarkable woman whose life was marked by service, intellect, and faith.
The days ahead will no doubt be challenging for those closest to Daphne Stallard. Yet, as the tributes and memories continue to flow, her legacy endures in the lives she touched and the example she set. The streets of Llandudno may feel a little emptier, but the spirit of community and compassion she embodied remains as strong as ever.
