‘Liz was leader of the pack’

FRIENDS and former colleagues joined Elizabeth Hodgkin’s family for a celebration of her life at Henley town hall.

A collage of photos hung from the stage at the back of the Queen Elizabeth II hall displayed memories from her life.

Refreshments, cakes and finger sandwiches were served, while former colleagues recalled her work in the town.

Councillor Stefan Gawrysiak, who had served as her deputy, described her as a “community person” who could get stuff done.

He said: “Liz was a consummate diplomat because she would have an idea and then she would get other people to coalesce around an idea, so she brought people in.”

Catherine Notaras, who volunteered with Mrs Hodgkin on the “Gardening Buddies”, said she was always the “leader of the pack”.

She said: “I knew Liz from Valley Road parents and teachers organisation. She also helped on Gillotts Corner Field, making it a town green, so it was left to the residents of Henley in perpetuity. She had the foresight to see what was necessary in Henley.”

Julian Brookes, who was mayor in 2016, said he was persuaded to join the council by Mrs Hodgkin.

He said: “I used to go down to the youth centre on Tuesday morning for coffee and a chat and then I ended up on the town council. Liz is quite persuasive.”

Alan Follett, who was mayor in 1998, said: “Liz was very enthusiastic and got people to do things but in a nice way. She did a lot of good for the town.”

Martin Akehurst, who was mayor in 2014, said: “Liz was a great asset to Henley. She was one of those great people who seem to have unlimited energy.”