An author who spearheaded the fight to save Watlington Library has died.
Oliver Knowles, who launched Friends of Watlington Library campaign group, lost his short battle with cancer at his Cuxham Road house on August 22nd.
His memoirs, Back Seat Driver, which chart his time as secretary of Kenya’s first official inquiry into corruption, were published early after his diagnosis.
Mr Knowles, who was awarded an OBE, led fund-raising efforts to redevelop the High Street library, and rallied against planning officers after they turned down the application.
And earlier this year the scheme was finally given the green light, with South Oxfordshire District Council granting planning permission and agreeing to match the £45,000 raised by supporters. Building work is scheduled to start soon.
Current chairman of Watlington Library Trustees, Philip Pinney, paid tribute to Mr. Knowles. “He achieved a tremendous amount.
“Over a decade he established the Friends of Watlington Library as a charity, and saved the library from being closed.
“He developed the group to make the library a living organism in the community, and brought it to the attention of the public.
“During Oliver’s leadership we have had a series of fantastic lecturers, including Boris Johnson, Jeremy Irons, Sinead Cusack and Colin e_SClBDexter, author of Inspector Morse.
“At the time of his death we had raised over £47,000. Oliver has left the town community with a library which we hope will soon be extended and the flat refurbished.
“His legacy is that, through his hard work, he had re-established the library to its original form and it is now thriving. He will be greatly missed.”
Mr. Knowles, a grandfather of ten, is survived by his wife June, also an author, and sons Chris, Nick, Mark and Johnny.
Back Seat Driver is on sale at Amazon.co.uk or Waterstones online, or from most bookshops. The ISBN number is 978-1-906710-08-8.
Published on 08 September 2008
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