We were very sad to hear that Elaine passed away on the morning of Saturday 6th April at the age of 91.
Elaine was one of our founder members and was made an honorary member in 2020 in recognition of her support for the Society. She was a former Treasurer, a dedicated environmental campaigner and spent many hours scouring the local media on our behalf.
Elaine had a fall in the night in mid-December last year, and was being looked after at home by her son, Tom, but never fully recovered.
Our thoughts are with Cathie, Mary and Tom and all the family, as well as her close friends among our members.
The Society has received numerous messages of condolence from our members and friends.
Former PHS Chair, Barbara Andrew and her husband Joe said "Thanks for letting us know this sad news. We certainly hope to attend Elaine's funeral" and Christine Warren added "Very sad news about Elaine, she was a lovely lady and will be missed by everyone at the Society.”
Long term member, Roger Miller, said "Alec and Betty Smithers introduced me to Elaine and we always got along well and I enjoyed her continuing enthusiasm. I hope we can all keep up our spirits for so long”. Former Chair, Alick Smithers' daughter, Rebecca, got in touch via Twitter to say "So sad to hear this news. Elaine was a stalwart of the PHS, a good friend and neighbour of my parents and a regular correspondent with me until relatively recently. RIP Elaine and condolences to her family.”
Runa Mackenzie got in touch to say ""Edward and I feel honoured to have been in this lovely lady’s presence. I always thought Elaine had such quiet dignity and I admired her too, for the diligence in keeping abreast with articles and information pertinent to the Potteries Heritage Society. We are richer for having known Elaine.”
And we even had messages from other Civic Societies: "Very sad news but she made a difference and that’s a beautiful legacy. Our condolences to her loved ones and friends.” posted Cheltenham Civic Society on social media.