“To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die” (Thomas Campbell)
RADKA SHAW, 7 October 1975 – 17 AUGUST 2023
Although not a long-standing resident of Godmanchester, after moving here with her family in 2012, Radka quickly became a well-known member of the community. She was a bubbly, effervescent woman, full of creativity and drive. Her vibrant outgoing and friendly nature meant she straightaway formed a close-knit group of friends amongst the other Czech and Slovak ex-pats.
But ‘Raddie’, as she was known to her friends, really found her stride once her eldest started school at the local academy. Radka threw herself whole-heartedly and without embarrassment into volunteering, participating in and enriching events and activities at every opportunity, more often than not, head to toe in fancy dress. Her creativity and seamstress skills led to Godmanchester’s first taste of her flare for the dramatic, when the abduction of her Angelina Ballerina scarecrow made the local news. Never one to shy away from something that might make others uncomfortable, Radka’s entry in the Godmanchester Scarecrow festival in 2014 again made the news. She again gained notoriety through her controversial choice of entering a life-sized effigy of Jesus on the cross, representing the well-known Broadway musical ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’!
In a statement, she said: ‘I made the scarecrow with the intention of joining in with the community spirit. There was never any intention to upset or offend anyone. I am still at a loss to understand all the commotion and discussion about it.’ Every year on 5 December, Radka organised the celebration of Saint Nicholas (Mikuláš), at first just for the children and families from the Czech and Slovak community, but eventually expanding her love of traditional Czech folklore into the neighbourhood, parading her special guests, Saint Nicholas, the Angel (Anděl) and the Devil (Čert) through the streets. The Godmanchester Living Advent Calendar included Raddie’s efforts by inviting them to participate in 2016.
Radka’s creativity and love for foraging brought her talents again to the community as a local wreath and Christmas greenery stallholder, year on year, at the annual Lights Switch-on and Christmas Market.
Her love and passion for design got her into the costumer hire trade. In October 2012 she opened ‘Aladdin’s Cave’, her true love; 4,500 costumes put together in every era throughout history. She would hand-dress each customer to perfection, taking time to get every detail right for the period; a total bespoke service. The local schools benefitted from her contributions to World Book Day and History Off the Page Experience Days, and her children could always pick her and her husband Bernie out on the sidelines at Sports Day, enthusiastically cheering, dressed in traditional or stereotypical attire depicting their children’s designated countries.
What many of the residents of Godmanchester will remember is her willingness to contribute, to give and to help. Year on year she volunteered at Brownie camp, with her daughter Maddie, as camp cook. Dress-up days at school meant her son, Tino, often showed up with Katherine of Aragon or Boudicca in tow. And most recently, the amazing Pipers lane Platinum Jubilee street party was just the occasion for her authentic Pearly King and Queen double act, despite the sweltering heat. Dedicated to her craft, Gala Day parades became synonymous with Alladin’s Cave, either on the back of a lorry or walking – and always with Radka out front, fully emersed in her chosen role for the day, from Rafiki the baboon to leather and knife-clad Edward Scissorhands, to the terrifying Child-catcher from Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bang.
We were not to know that in 2020, when Radka moved her beloved business to their new home in Ramsey, it would be the last time we would all benefit from the joy her infectious love for the dramatic. Fraught with difficulty overcoming technical hitches in the build, and her very private battle with her health, Alladin’s Cave never truly reopened, and Radka Shaw passed away on Thursday 17th August 2023 from a 3-year battle with breast cancer, aged 47 years.
Radka’s infectious smile and inner sparkle will be forever missed. Her energy of entering a room full of strangers and leaving a room full of friends was one of her hidden talents. She leaves behind her husband, Bernie, and their 2 amazing children, Madeleine and Valentino.
JENNIFER JANE SPENCER, 11 December 1957 – 20 April 2023
From Godalming to Godmanchester – Jen, as most people knew her, was born in Godalming, Surrey and was adopted by Henry and Patricia Franks. She had great affection for her father, who worked for a confectionery company called ‘Clark Nichols and Coombs’. Perhaps, this is why Jen had a sweet tooth! Clark Nichols and Coombs were the largest confectionery manufacturers in East London, occupying the site of what later became the Olympic Park. The company sold out to Trebor (Robert spelt backwards), and later Cadburys Schweppes took over the business.
The family lived in Hitchin, and legend has it that Step Mother Patricia was in the Private Secretary’s office of the Prime Minister – Harold Wilson and John Stonehouse.
After her Step Mother’s death, Jen was taken into various foster homes around the Stevenage area. Jen later married Peter Starr, and went on to have three children: Lisa, Toby and Angie.
Moving to Milton Keynes, she settled and worked as a warehouse manager for many years at a clock company called ‘Acctim’, based in Newport Pagnell, until being made redundant during the Covid pandemic. Jen was the ‘go to’ person at work when anyone wanted to know anything about clocks, but she was also the ‘go to’ person if you had a problem. Her workmates have described her as a ‘Force of Nature’, ‘One of a Kind’ or ‘They threw the mould away when God made her’, and she was indeed much loved.
After a year of commuting from Milton Keynes to spend weekends with her new romance, Stephen Spencer, a key member of the Community Association, Jenni realised that the friendships she had been making in Godmanchester, and being part of a community, was what she had been missing. Jenni moved to Godmanchester from Milton Keynes permanently in 2019 to live with Stephen, and quickly found other work, both in temporary and full-time employment. Her most enjoyable job was with the Co-op Distribution Centre on Cardinal Way (now, unfortunately, closed having re-located to Biggleswade) where again, the same comments about her larger than life character were echoed by the management, staff and work colleagues.
Jen was a huge Tottenham Hotspur’s fan and was for many years a season ticket holder at White Hart Lane, going to almost every home game. Her email address even contained an endorsement of her support ‘missspurs’ and she was a great admirer of Harry Kane. Such was her love for football that she was extremely competitive when it came to managing her Dream Team and would never miss an opportunity to remind you how well she was doing. Jen was also a keen supporter of Godmanchester Rovers and would be seen at most home games at Bearscroft Lane.
Two years ago, Jen used the services of researchers of the programme ‘Long Lost Families’ to search for her birth mother, Patsy; something she had wanted to do for many years. They were re-united after 64 years and had the most wonderful time. Jenni also got to meet the rest of the family and they all attended the wedding of Stephen and Jenni on 25 February this year.
Unfortunately, in January this year Jen was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (brain tumour) which was inoperable; she was given a prognosis of 3-to-6 months, and she died peacefully at home on 20 April.
Her bright cheerful character and smiley face will be sorely missed by all that knew her and shared her life. Taken too soon and before she could enjoy her retirement, she was definitely ‘One of a Kind’.
BOB GALER, 6 January 1948 – 2 March 2023
Most of you reading this will remember Bob Galer from the days of him being part of the Comrades Club – a Committee member, Club member, Membership No 001 and general pair of hands to help out wherever needed. Most importantly, he was the Director of Sport and Controller of the TV Remote Controls!
Bob originated from Ticknell in Derbyshire, moving to Godmanchester in 2001 with his wife, Helen. They were married in New Orleans in 1997, and then lived in Halesowen and Stourbridge in the Midlands before moving here. Helen introduced Bob to Godmanchester, as her Uncle Jim had lived here and her brothers, Jonathan and Steven Powell, grew up here.
Bob soon became a valued member of the community and never knew what Helen was going to get him involved with next.
He would pop up, helping at Gala Day, Fireworks, Picnic in the Park, the Exhibition pub’s annual Fun Run and the Living Advent Calendar.
When Bob was not juggling the variety of community and social dates on the calendar, he was either working to refurbish the house in Chadley Lane, spending time in the Exhibition with Jim Finn or in his second home, the Comrades Club.
Bob’s first job after leaving school was in the family building business. He then had a colourful life working in warehouse management in the airline industry – working for British Midland, Trans European Airlines (TEA) and European Aviation, where he also supported the Tyrrell Racing Team. Once settled in Godmanchester, he worked at DHL, which was close to home and easy to work shifts around refurbishing the house.
Bob had lived with Parkinson’s for over 10 years; sadly, the last two years saw him living in Ferrars Hall Care Home in Huntingdon. Parkinson’s is a brutal degenerative disease which he bore well, bouncing back from many a fall, until late in 2022 when Bob rapidly declined. After his last trip to Hinchingbrooke hospital in February, he went over the rainbow to meet Uncle Jim and many other valued friends who we have loved and lost over the 21 years of living in this beautiful and friendly place. Godmanchester was truly Bob’s home.
Bob’s parting gift to us all was that he gave himself to Parkinson’s for medical research and education, to help others and improve the future treatment of this horrible condition. He will be truly missed.
DR SHEENA KYNOCH, 21 September 1942 – 6 April 2023
“I was diagnosed with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) of the stomach in 2001, and in June of the same year had a partial gastrectomy. In June 2003 metastatic lesions were observed in the liver. I was immediately put on imatinib in the hope of shrinking the tumours, and by the time I had an operation to remove them in September 2005, they appeared to be completely cystic; no living cells were found. I continued to take imatinib until October 2015. To date I remain tumour free.”
“Surviving eighteen years from diagnosis of a disease, which a few years earlier would have been fatal, is truly miraculous. I attribute this to the development of imatinib and the skill of the medical team in charge of my care. For those with a more recent diagnosis of GIST cancer, the science has developed even further.”
“I have been given eighteen more years to share with Eric my husband, seen our son Tim married, and been given precious time with our two grandchildren aged 9 and 5 years. No-one could be more blessed.”
Written for the GIST Patient Stories of 2019; but the cancer returned briefly, and Sheena died in April 2023.
DAVID (DAI) MORGAN, 1 March 1939 – 1 October 1922
Sharing a birthday with one’s wife is somewhat unusual; sharing a birth date is truly remarkable. Although they were born poles apart, he in South Wales and she in Bedfordshire, Dai and Jean Morgan arrived in the world on exactly the same Wednesday in March 1939, and lived most of their young lives only streets apart in Dunstable, although completely unaware of each other’s existence. They finally met at a school dance, married in August 1961, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Dai and Jean moved to Godmanchester in the early 1990s after Dai’s long career in the Royal Navy; the move allowed them to be close to their family. Dai immediately set about involving himself in the life of the Town, having particular interests in local education – Dai was for a short time bursar of a school in north London – and the church. He will forever be remembered as the first Chair of Governors at St Anne’s Church of England School, having accepted the invitation from the Rev Neil Follett, then Vicar of Godmanchester. Dai’s energy and enthusiasm, alongside that of Headteacher Anthea Kenna, played an enormous part in the new school’s early successes.
As committed Christians, Dai and Jean both joined churches around the world wherever military postings took them, and served as Parochial Church Council (PCC) members or church wardens in Naples and Belgium, as well as various parts of the UK. Dai’s input at Godmanchester Parish Church was tremendous. He served as Secretary of the PCC, a regular member of the church choir (a Welsh tenor, no less!), a supporter of the Flower Guild, and a key figure at fund-raising and social events, where he was most likely to be found managing the bar or overseeing the BBQ! Dai was also a talented artist, and many of his oils and watercolours raised money for good causes or found their way into local homes as gifts. Not so obvious, but no less important, were Dai’s great organisational skills, which not only helped Jean in her duties as church warden, but assisted the management of the church over many years.
As a younger man, Dai studied physics and geology at university, before being commissioned into the Royal Navy and taking courses in meteorology and oceanography. During three tours on aircraft carriers, HMS Centaur, HMS Albion and HMS Ark Royal, Dai was the ship’s ‘weather watcher’, informing the captain when the conditions were safe for aircraft to use the flightdeck. It was one of Dai’s claims to fame that, while serving as an officer on HMS Ark Royal, the BBC produced its much-acclaimed documentary, ‘Sailor’. While married, Jean accompanied Dai on many shore-based tours overseas, including in Australia and the United States, and believes they had 30 homes in as many years!
Although he moved away from South Wales as a child, Dai never lost his native wit, his love of singing and his close affinity with the Welsh mountains. Born in Ystrad Mynach, close to Caerphilly, and frequently holidaying in Snowdonia, he was a Welshman through and through. Is it any wonder he was born on St David’s Day?
DAVID TAYLOR, 28 July 1942 – 14 September 2022
Godmanchester has lost a dear friend. Frequently spotted on his bicycle, and probably wearing shorts and baseball cap, David pedalled fast unless, of course, he applied the brakes to chat with someone on the pavement who needed chatting to. Forever cheerful, David was someone who brought sunshine into all our lives, whatever the weather.
Born in Preston during the Second World War, David studied Theology at Leeds University, where he met Kathleen, a Bacteriology student, who subsequently became his wife in 1966. David trained as a Baptist Minister, and served three churches: Duckinfield, a rundown area of Manchester (1966-1970), Rising Brook on the outskirts of Stafford (1970-1994) and Bushey, near Watford (2001-2007).
In 1994 the Baptist Union invited David to become its General Superintendent (equivalent to a bishop in the Anglican Church) for the south-east of England, and for seven years, while living in Tonbridge, David supported 150 churches across Kent, Sussex and parts of Surrey and Hampshire.
On retirement in 2007, David and Kathleen moved to Godmanchester, where they were quickly absorbed into the life of the community as well as the Baptist Church. Co-opted as a Town Councillor, David spearheaded the introduction of play equipment onto Judith’s Field. This included the now familiar MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) and the ever-popular aerial runway. Assisted by fellow councillors Debbie Middleton and Malcolm Cohen, David’s enterprise will be appreciated by the Town’s youngsters for generations to come.
His Godmanchester retirement gave David an additional string to his bow: twice a month he swapped his baseball cap for the more conventional Panama, and set off for Ely to fulfil the role of Day Chaplain in the Cathedral. Saying prayers with visitors and engaging with people in search of pastoral care was a duty that meant so much to David. A sports enthusiast all his life, he had an encyclopaedic knowledge of Preston North End Football Club and Yorkshire cricket; and David will be remembered on the tennis court at Godmanchester Community School, where it must have been terrifying to receive his services delivered from such a great height!
David was a great people person – starting with his own family. Kathleen and David had three children: elder daughter, Helen, lives in Ely, where her husband, Julian, is a teacher at the King’s School; John, their son and also a schoolteacher, lives with his family at Cranleigh in Surrey; and younger daughter, Pauline, a missionary living in Russia with her Russian husband, Alexei, has been able to give her parents some memorable holidays in
St Petersburg.
Continuing his preaching ministry at the Baptist Church, David’s wit as well as his wisdom was always appreciated, and a measure of the affection with which he was held was the fact that his funeral service was transferred to the Parish Church to accommodate the large number of people wishing to attend.
There are people in this world who leave us feeling so much better for having spent time in their company, and David Taylor was one of them.
PATRICIA ANN BAVESTER (NANNY PAT), 18 December 1942 – 23 May 2022
Mum was born in Soham, Cambridgeshire in December 1942 to the parents of Lily and Clifford Mills; she was a sister to Alan and the late Muriel.
She went to an all-girls school in Soham and grew up in the Fens; she would always tell us how many miles she would have to cycle daily to pick vegetables for a job. She would also go on to tell us that she had to cycle it, whatever the weather; she even got struck by lightning once.
When Mum was a little older, she used to catch a bus into Cambridge, where she worked at Pye’s Electronics. On this journey she would pass a building site – and took a shine to one of the builders; they would wave to each other daily and exchange looks.
One day as the bus stopped near the building site, Dad hopped on the bus and asked Mum out on a date to a dance; obviously, she took him up on the offer. It really was love at first site and this is where their life together began. Mum was 17 when she met Dad; he quickly proposed and they were married on 18 March 1961 in Waterbeach. One wedding present, that clearly wasn’t purchased, was a TV!
Married life became very busy in building a family: Angela, Sue, Stephen, Julie, Jackie, Jan, Paul, Donna and Cheryl.
Every Sunday Mum used to bake many cakes; arguing begun over who was going to lick out the bowl. And as quick as the cakes were cooling on the window ledge, they would disappear, with many hands creeping through the window.
Sunday was a day we would visit Nan in Soham; we would all pile in the small yellow minivan. The trip seemed always to take ages, especially when Mum was learning to drive; she would always stall the car at a certain corner, which we have named ‘Mum’s corner’.
As you all know, Mum always loved a good party and dance. She hosted many barbeques in the summer with Dad, where everyone would attend and fun was had.
Mum had a few jobs whilst being a housewife; these included at Superior, Truckers, RGE and Wilco. She formed many friendships along the way and had still remained in touch with them. Many will have known her as ‘Nanny Pat’.
Mum is now with Dad, and they have left a legacy of 9 children, 19 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren, along with many other family members and friends.
LISA CLARE LEADER, 19 February 1981 – 26 November 2021
Sadly, we lost one of Godmanchester’s popular young mums in November 2021 after bravely fighting for nearly two years the devastating diagnosis of glioblastoma (stage 4 terminal brain cancer). Many of you will have read the recent high profile case of the death of Tom Parker of the band The Wanted at the age of 33. Glioblastoma is described as a cancer ‘that mostly affects older people’. Ironically however it is the biggest killer of the under 40s in this country but receives just 3% of government funding.
Lisa’s Mum and Dad, John and Jackie Wardropper, moved to Godmanchester in 1982 when Lisa was just 1 and her brother Simon nearly 3. They bought a new build on the Tudor Road estate, then known as ‘Willowfields’.
On the other side of London Road, the development of ‘Croft Farm’ on Sweetings Road was also underway. On the periphery of Godmanchester town, beyond both sites were just fields as far as the eye could see.
New neighbours who lived nearby were Al and Kathy Hooker and Bill and Brenda Hennessy with children of a similar age – Bonnie and Jessica Hooker and Tom and Maddie Hennessy. The families spent much of their time in and out of each other’s houses of which there are many happy memories. As the kids got older they went to Godmanchester Primary School (the only school in GMC then) and on to Hinchingbrooke School.
Whilst Lisa’s brother Simon always aspired to life in the big city, Lisa was firmly a home bird. She loved family life, she loved Godmanchester and made a lot of friends there. On finishing her education at Hinchingbrooke School she joined the Hinchingbrooke Hospitality Management team, catering for conferences and all manner of functions, a job she loved. She was delighted to be able to organise her own wedding there.
In October 2012 Lisa’s daughter Ava was born. Lisa’s life revolved around her. Sadly things were not always plain sailing but nothing prepared the close knit family for the tragedy that lay ahead.
Lisa and partner Scott moved to Romans’ Edge on 3 January, 2020. Just 10 days later came the first sign that something was seriously wrong. After a day at work Lisa experienced a short spell of aphasia. She couldn’t articulate properly and couldn’t remember the names of her mum or her daughter. The paramedics took her to Hinchingbrooke Hospital but despite 2 CT scans she was discharged with no further referral recommended by the hospital or GP.
Just over a month later Lisa had 4 consecutive catatonic seizures at work. This time she was hospitalised and then referred to Addenbrookes. In March she was diagnosed with 3 malignant left sided brain tumours, all inoperable. The prognosis was grim – 12-18 months life expectancy.
Despite the ‘inoperable’ status Lisa went on to have two surgeries that year as well as standard chemo/radiotherapy. She came through this aggressive treatment well but the family were horrified when an MRI at the end of June showed that the tumour in the left parietal part of her brain in particular had continued to grow. NHS standard of care treatment options had run out. She had just a few months left to live.
Against this background, we went into first lockdown. Lisa had slight memory and speech issues at this point but, had it not been for the Covid status that affected families everywhere, she would have still been able to enjoy a pretty normal life despite the desperate prognosis.
Giving up was not an option. Lisa’s mum set up a GoFundMe page to fundraise for private treatment here and abroad. The goal was to get to Germany to access a ‘hot’ new personalised multi peptide vaccine, which, although deemed experimental, was given a high accolade by medics in the US in particular. Unfortunately the timescale to access this treatment was lengthy as it necessitated detailed NGS testing of the tumour sample in Germany before Lisa could be approved and the vaccine could be made. The whole process was to take 5 months, and time was not on Lisa’s side.
The fundraising campaign had an amazing response. Lisa was completely overwhelmed by the generosity of the local community and the support of family and friends gave her so much hope for the future. A coffee morning and raffle at the Comrades Club raised over £4000 which was astonishing.
Funded by the GoFundMe campaign Lisa opted for a dendritic cell vaccine in October which gave her two 3 monthly stable scans which was very encouraging. She was approved for the multi peptide vaccine and flights were booked for the beginning of July, longer to wait than anticipated because of Covid bottle necks and travel restrictions, but everything seemed to be moving in the right direction.
Sadly, it was not to be. At the end of April, just as we came out of lockdown, Lisa had a major seizure, completely out of the blue. An MRI showed a new outbreak that was small but critically close to Lisa’s motor strip. In desperation Lisa’s mum managed to contact the one surgeon in this country who performs laser surgery on small tumours deep in the brain inaccessible through traditional surgical techniques. The family had no choice but to cancel the flights to Germany and try to stabilise.
After several consultations Lisa was approved and the date for the operation date was set for 3 June at a London clinic. Unbelievably, however, fate intervened once again. On Bank Holiday Saturday the family were notified that a key laser technician from Germany had been withdrawn as a change to the Covid travel restrictions meant he would have to self-isolate on his return and this would mean cancelling 10 similar operations in his own country. It seemed unbelievably cruel. Lisa was devastated.
By the time travel restrictions eased slightly over the next few weeks this treatment plan was too late. The lesion had trebled in size and Lisa no longer qualified for this type of surgery. The disease was starting to adversely impact her life with violent headaches and loss of feeling in her right arm and leg. By August she had to use a wheelchair.
Guided by a private consultant at Imperial, the family took advice from the USA who offer so much more for GBM sufferers. The analysis of her NGS report showed Lisa ‘s tumour would never have responded to SOC chemo/radiotherapy and she had endured it for nothing. A new drug regime was recommended together with Avastin to tackle the swelling in her brain. Unavailable locally, Lisa and her a mum travelled to Charing Cross Hospital every 3 weeks for these infusions.
Heartened by another stable scan, Lisa’s mum contacted the German clinic where Lisa’s personalised multi peptide vaccine was still being stored. It was agreed it was worth getting her to Tubingen for a week at the beginning of October to have the first four vaccine shots and then, hopefully, 6 weekly trips thereafter. Although struggling with her deteriorating mobility and loss of speech, Lisa held on to the hope of prolonging her life until the very end. Her mum, dad and partner went with her and tried to make a bit of a holiday out of the trip. There was a feeling of euphoria to finally get there.
Unfortunately, that euphoria was short lived. Not long after returning to the UK, the violent incapacitating headaches started again. Lisa was hospitalised and the MRI this time showed an unsustainable midline shift in her brain. She was sent home on a palliative care package and died on 26 November with her loved ones by her side.
It was a desperately sad end to Lisa’s fight for life. She never complained. She wanted above all to live to see her little girl grow up. She gave it everything she had, but finally this vile disease took everything from her. She was hugely grateful to all the people of Godmanchester who tried to help her and her family will always remember the kindness, generosity and sweet messages of support that she received.
A beautiful soul, much loved and lost. Rest in peace beautiful girl. You are sorely missed ❤️
TERRY (TEX) COLLIER, 7 January 1942 – 4 April 2022
Tex was born in the Jericho area of Oxford in 1942 and had a happy childhood living with his young parents and later his sister, Sue. Being in the top 2 places in the 11-plus, he gained a scholarship to Magdalen College School, which gave him opportunities he could only dream of, both academically and sporting.
He was a very good swimmer and played hockey, cricket and rugby at County standard, helping the School rugby team to hold an unbeaten record for the whole season. This record lasted for 60 years. One letter from a fellow rugby player said his unorthodox and flamboyant style was frowned upon by the masters in charge; but the girls loved his dashing style!
He also succeeded in getting a scholarship to the RAF College, Cranwell. He loved flying but not the discipline and hierarchy of military life, so he left, much to the chagrin of his parents!
We met the day I left school and married 3 years later on Independence Day – which maybe was an omen. It was at times a volatile mix, but after almost 60 years a long-lasting and loving partnership – helped to some extent by the fact that he worked abroad for 25 years – just returning home at weekends! He was a business consultant for pharmaceutical companies from Helsinki to Los Angeles, and many countries in between; so this also enabled me to join him and see the world! We even spent 2 years living in Portugal when he got a long-term contract there.
Our three children, Gary, Patrick and Anna, had a father who had many interests. They became involved in many of the sports he loved, be it participating or watching. He took them on many historic trips, ranging from the Normandy beaches to Stonehenge. All three also went on ‘work trips’, one to Singapore, one to Los Angeles; unfortunately, one drew the short straw and only went to Paris.
Tex and the boys went to Le Mans several times. This set a seed in his head; no way could they afford Le Mans, so they bought a Citroen 2CV and became Terry Collier Racing, and did a 24-hour race in Ireland with Tex, Gary, Patrick and Anna driving. They finished (not last!) but they wanted to win, so Tex began designing engines. A few years later, thanks to the new design and the driving of Anna’s husband (also Gary), the championship was won.
Tex began to struggle healthwise about three years ago, and since Christmas deteriorated quite rapidly. He wanted to be at home, and with the help of the local Doctors and the wonderful District Nurses, he got his wish.
It has been said that you need to have been born and bred in Godmanchester to be accepted. Tex and I have never found that, and we have always been very happy here.
‘Thank you all for making us so welcome’ – Nina Collier
PEGGY YOUNG, 6 May 1929 – 29 January 2022
Born in 1929, Peggy grew up in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire. Although christened Margaret, she was always known as Peggy.
Being ten years old when the second world war started, Peggy talked often about the limited food available and how her love of cakes and chocolate was due to the shortage of sugar; indeed, she worked in both a cake shop and sweet shop and was later famous for her excellent sponge cakes.
Peggy was a ballroom dancer and competed in many competitions around the country.
She moved to this area in 1969, living briefly in St Ives and then Hemingford Abbots.
In 1981, Peggy and her husband Alan moved to East Sussex so that Alan could pursue his astronomy where there were no streetlights. In fact, in 1986, when Alan was the first person in the UK to spot Halley’s Comet, Peggy gave a very professional interview on the television about the night it happened.
When Alan passed away in 1989, Peggy moved to Godmanchester, where she lived with her mother Cissie, to be near her family, Elaine, Dave and Zoe Newell.
After her mum passed away, Peggy moved to St Ives, where she spent happy times serving refreshments at the New Road Dance Studios. In 2011, Peggy moved back to Godmanchester, where she was often seen pottering in her bungalow’s garden, and many people would stop to have a chat.
KATHLEEN (KATIE) MARIE SIMS, 15 December 1949 – 11 December 2021
We lost our good friend Katie because of an accident which resulted in her unnecessary passing. Katie was a very strong, capable and generous fun lady, beautiful inside and out – a peoples’ person.
Katie was a founder member of the New Comrades Quilting Group and her contribution to the group was felt by all. She was genuinely interested in everyone, as an individual and fellow quilter. She regularly circulated around the group meeting seeing what people had been doing with their families and quilting project(s). When new members joined, she made them welcome from the start and made a point of talking to them about themselves and their interests and was all inclusive.
She was always positive and encouraging in whatever project that was undertaken either as a group or an individual and the overall achievement. A highly valued member of the group who gave 100% support to all – Gill, Group Treasurer
Katie was also a valued member of The Comrades Club Committee. Katie was a beautiful person who was always interested in the goings on of the club and how everyone at the club was getting on. She would support anyone who needed help or just give words of support if required. Her death rocked me and the thought of not seeing her when the quilters are in is still very difficult. She is greatly missed and will never be forgotten. Mark, Acting President of the Comrades Club
‘A very bright shining star who is greatly missed by us all’.
JANICE SUTER, 1 April 1947 – 6 June 2021
Janice was the oldest daughter of George and Jean Whitwell from Ramsey, born on 1 April 1947. When Janice left Ramsey Secondary Modern, she went to work for Woolworths in Huntingdon. It was here she met husband Alan Suter. They hit it off immediately, and when Alan said he was playing darts in Ramsey, Janice found a way of getting out of the house and went to meet him at the pub. It wasn’t pre-arranged, but he was as ever a true gentleman and walked her home that night.
From their marriage in December 1969, they had 3 Children – Joanne was born in 1971, but living conditions were tight and they managed to get a Council House in Godmanchester. In 1974 they had Simon and, 4 years later, James. Sadly, both boys were diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy, which quickly changed their lives.
Their living requirements meant they moved to a purpose-built bungalow in Huntingdon, and Janice made every sacrifice for their boys; but she was always desperate to move back into Godmanchester, a place she loved and had the opportunity to follow her other love of gardening.
Working with her daughter Jo at the Jigsaw Nursery, she became a dinner lady, which was bizarre as she was not renowned for her cooking; however, she was fondly remembered by all the children that went there.
To get out and about and be at one with nature, Janice and Alan were members of National Trust and English Heritage, and enjoyed their days out visiting lovely stately homes and gardens. Another of her loves was crafting, and many of us will remember at Christmas she used to make cards containing chocolate treats. Her 57-year devotional and loving relationship with her husband, Alan, finally came to an end when Janice passed away with brain cancer.
‘Mum was so proud of all her family and treated everyone with love and kindness.’
EVA MARIA HURST, 7 February 1929 – 19 December 2020
Eva Maria Schwerter was born on 7 February 1929 to Ernst and Hedwig Schwerter in Kiel, Germany. Her older brother, Karl, died aged 19 in Stalingrad during WW2 and her younger brother, Wolfgang, died aged 3.
Eva met Peter in 1947 in Kiel, when Peter was in the Army doing his National Service. They met outside a cinema when Peter said, “Hello blondie”. They married on 26 November 1949 in Holtanau Church, Kiel. Peter returned to England shortly after the wedding but, unfortunately, Eva could not join him until all the paperwork was in place. She finally came to England some four months later – in March 1950 – arriving at Paddington station.
Eva’s arrival was not as straightforward as expected, as communication was only through sending letters. Peter arrived early at the station on the day that Eva was expected. Several trains arrived and departed but no Eva. Peter had no way of knowing what the reason was for Eva not arriving and, as the last train arrived that day, still no Eva. Peter decided to sleep on a bench at the station and wait until morning for the next train. But, in chatting to a chap at the station, he told him that his wife had not arrived, and the man offered Peter a bed for the night, close to the station. Peter took up the kind offer and, in the morning, he was back at the station early, ready for the first train. As it approached, he must have had lots of thoughts going through his mind but, to Dad’s delight, Mum stepped off the train and their life in England had begun.
Their first home was Kings Bush Farm, Godmanchester, although Dad had various farm jobs trying to better himself, and this took the family to lots of different places. The first two and last of their 10 children were born in Godmanchester – the others elsewhere. The children were Peter (born ’50), Harry (’51), John (’53), Ronnie (’54), Andrew (’56), Royce (’57), Christopher (’59), Karl (’60), Stephen (’63) and David (’65).
The last farm the family lived at was Lower Debden, in Silver Street. Dad had had enough of farming, and decided to become a painter and decorator, so they applied for a council house. We all remember the day when councilor Parcell came up to Lower Debden Farm to give Mum the good news that we finally had been allocated a council house at 4 Fox Grove. Mum was so excited with the news that we all danced around the kitchen table.
We moved in the winter of 1964 and had lots of happy times; but tragedy struck in 1969, when Stephen was diagnosed with cancer; after a long battle with the illness, he sadly passed away on 11February 1971. These were very sad times, which hit us all very hard as a family. Mum struggled with the loss of Stephen and never really got over it. As the older brothers got married and left home, Mum and Dad decided to move to a smaller house in Anderson Crescent, where they remained for the rest of their lives.
Over the years Mum, Dad and the family would frequently visit Mum’s home City of Kiel, where we would meet up with all our cousins. Mum was so proud of the bond we had formed with our German family, including Kurt, Hienz, Thomas, Helga, Jaochim, Anja, Karina and Jannis.
Mum was a passionate Godmanchester Rovers fan, and nothing gave her more pleasure than watching her sons, and later grandchildren, playing football. Mum would always be there, home and away, cheering on the team. In Mum’s last year she missed going to football and meeting everyone, but she would always phone at half-time to see how we were getting on – and again at full-time for the result.
Mum was the heartbeat of the family and taught us all to be respectful to others and always use our manners, look out for each other and show our love for one another. This is something that has helped us brothers stay close to each other and all our families.
Mum was so proud of all her family and treated everyone with love and kindness.
STANLEY ALBERT PAULEY (Stan), 2 March 1932 – 4 December 2020
Stan was a true Gumcestrian, born on 2 March 1932 at 49 West Street to William and Ellen. The family moved to Cambridge Villas a few years later.
He also lived in The Avenue, Pettit Road and Sylton Close with his wife, Freda, and their sons, Nigel and Stephen. Sadly, struggles with multiple sclerosis necessitated a move to a bungalow in Huntingdon, but Stan remained a ‘Godmanchester Boy’ his entire life.
Stan attended Queen Elizabeth School and was taught by Mr Pratt Anderson – he was brilliant at mental arithmetic and had wonderful handwriting.
Stan passed his 11+ but declined an opportunity to go to Huntingdon Grammar School. Instead, he left school at 14 and became an apprentice carpenter, working for local firm Brudenell and then for himself, with partner Keith Figg.
Those living in houses on the Tudor Estate – Windsor, York and Ravenshoe – and many other local homes – are living in houses with roofing and woodwork originally done by Stan.
During his National Service, Stan was based at RAF Brampton, taking over the post previously held by Des O’Connor no less. It was incredible that he should be posted so close to home and Ellen soon got used to 11 RAF footballers all arriving to use the tin bath after matches, before tucking into a home-cooked meal.
Stan met Freda in St Neots and used to visit her at the top end of the town. He became a regular figure for locals, who would see him running the mile or so from her home to the Market Square to get the last bus home! Stan and Freda celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary shortly before he passed.
Stan was a member of the Parent Teacher Association and also one of the local craftsmen who built the first swimming pool at the Community School. To raise funds, he used to help at the school fête, and on one infamous occasion organised a ‘Bowling for a Pig’ stall – featuring a real pig!
A keen sportsman, Stan played for a successful Godmanchester Rovers and, after retiring, he ran the line and marked out the lines of the pitch. His collection of medals included ones for football and table tennis, and as runner up in the County Snooker Final, Stan modestly insisted that he only played because the actual finalist couldn’t make it! Actually, he was a very good snooker player.
Stan also played bowls at the Royal Oak and for the County. He used to organise the annual Brewery Cup competition with the best bowlers from across the area competing, proudly winning the Cup himself.
As a committee member at the Comrades Club, Stan served for over 25 years and became a Trustee. In 1984, Stan was made an Honorary Life Member in recognition of his service. He loved a game of dominoes on a Friday at the Club, with Trafford and Mervyn James and Joe Jacques.
Stan worked at the District Council as a Housing Officer for 25 years until his retirement in 1995.
Sadly, his final years were spent battling multiple sclerosis, and latterly he relied totally on Freda and an army of carers. During 36 years of living with MS, Stan never once complained, and conducted himself with dignity and courage at all times. Stan will be sadly missed by his family and everyone who knew him.
SHIRLEY ALLGOOD, 24 January 1946 – 17 July 2020
Shirley was born in Walthamstow to Bill and Iris Evans and was sister to Jean. After spending time visiting relatives in Papworth St Agnes and holidaying on a housboat in Huntingdon, the family decided to move to Yelling, and she attended a school in Offord D’Arcy.
Shirley’s first job was at Kayser Bondor in St Neots working alongside her mum and sister Jean, and it was in St Neots in a cafe on the Market Square that she met Les, who she married in 1962. This was the start of 58 years together in Godmanchester with their 4 children and 9 grandchildren.
In 1977 Shirley found a job she loved in community care. This was as a home help, where she went around Godmanchester on her bike assisting the older members of the community with anything from lighting the fire, shopping and housework to providing meals. She belonged to a small team who all knew their service users well and subsequently looked out for each other.
In 1990, along with her sister-in-law, Kath, who was also part of the team, they would do their care calls in the morning then go up to Hunters Down Care Home, where they would collect the meals and deliver them around Huntingdon and Godmanchester.
Her role developed over the years – she became a Home Care Assistant – swapping her bike for a car and widening her working area. Her working role became more health-centred, where she joined forces with the NHS and became a health and social care worker. Shirley still carried out all her previous tasks with the addition of more complex needs of her service users. She worked with other health professionals to deliver a high standard of care whilst still carrying these out in a friendly and caring way.
She kept her knowledge up by attending training courses and even gained an NVQ. Shirley took on a mentoring role of new staff members and took them out with her – teaching them all the kind and gentle ways she showed to her service users. She was a popular member of the team and well known around Godmanchester – all the service users loved her and always asked for her.
In 2016, after 39 years’ service, Shirley reluctantly decided to retire. Over the years she had achieved and given so much to all those that she cared for. She even tried to get to grips with all the introduction of technology, including computers and phones. But she was a people’s person and loved nothing more than taking care of all the people she was responsible for.
Shirley found her faith at Godmanchester Baptist Church, where she took an active role, which entailed helping in Sunday School and arranging church functions. She was admired for her attention to detail and forged lasting friendships from within.
Shirley fought her illness with dignity and gained strength through her faith. She was the linchpin of the family and her love was the glue that still holds our family together. The family all repaid that love to her when she needed it most. Let her legacy be that we continue to look after each other in the good and bad times and continue to be blessed by having Shirley as our wife, mum, sister and nan.
ROBERT THOMAS DAVID HUGHES, 1945-2020
‘Mr Godmanchester’ was born and grew up in Godmanchester, living first in Cambridge Villas then East Chadley Lane with parents Bob and Maude and siblings Trish and Barry. He was educated locally and started a career as an electrician before marrying Janet in September 1966. They had a daughter, Julie, who has moved to America and 2 teenage sons. In 1977 Godmanchester held its Silver Jubilee celebrations – a feature of which were the events held on the recreation ground. Robert was a prime mover on the organising committee and following this success, the event continued to be held and later became today’s Gala Day and the committee, Community Association. Robert was, like many other key members of the Community Association, a keen proponent of Godmanchester having its own town council and became one of its first town councillors. Soon afterwards, in 1984, he became Town Mayor, with a further three-year period of office from 1994 to 1996.
Robert was a very popular personality involved in everything and always doing ‘stuff’. From a Victorian street inside the Community School one Christmas to making his own PA system for the Community Association to use. Steve Wiseman, then treasurer of the Godmanchester Allotment Association, recalls that on being told the Allotments had no running water, Robert as Mayor, instructed him to get three quotes to have a supply installed. Within a week of receiving the quotes, Robert returned waving a Town council cheque for £2,000 to have the system installed, an invaluable asset to this day. There are many tales of Robert’s impact on Godmanchester and his input that survives to this day. Robert left Godmanchester some years ago having split from his wife, Janet. He had suffered ill health for some years with his second heart attack putting an end to a very worthwhile life on 25 May 2020. His ashes have joined his mother’s and brother’s in the grave of grandparents Thomas and Agnes Foster in St Mary’s graveyard Godmanchester.
Past obituaries posted on our archived website, can be accessed here, please click the link www.godmanchestercommunityassociation.org/