Henley mourns loss of Jennifer Symonds

THE steps of Henley town hall glowed with candlelight as friends, family and residents gathered for a vigil in memory of Jennifer Symonds.

More than 100 people gathered in the Market Place at 6pm on Saturday to pay their respects to Ms Symonds, who was found dead near Phyllis Court Club on March 6.

Dozens of candles were placed on the steps leading up to the front doors of the town hall.

Mourners light candles on the steps of the town hall

A statement from the family was read aloud by a friend, which described Ms Symonds as “beautiful, inside and out”. It said: “Jennie’s family would like to thank you, the local community, for the kindness and respect that has been shown during this incredibly difficult time.

“Your support has brought comfort to us amidst such a tragic loss. Jennie loved Henley deeply and was proud to call it home. Over the years she made many friends here and the memories she shared with those in the community here meant so much to her.

“She was a bright, caring and generous person who always looked for ways to make others smile. This is how we will always remember her – beautiful, inside and out, kind, generous and full of warmth.”

Thanks was extended to Mayor Tom Buckley and Father Jeremy Tayler, rector of St Mary’s Church, for their presence and support.

Following the statement, songs were played through a loudspeaker, including One Love by Bob Marley and Spectrum (Say My Name) by Florence and the Machine, with some of those who had gathered dancing along.

Afterwards, friends recalled memories of Ms Symonds at Henley Royal Regatta, the Henley Festival and Rewind, as well as trips to Henley pubs.

A friend spoke, asking the audience to “be kind to each other, share the love, laugh, cry and remember Jenny”.

The group slowly dispersed into nearby pubs and restaurants to continue sharing memories of Ms Symonds.

Some also walked down to Red Lion Lawn, a spot family described as her “favourite”, to lay flowers. One bouquet had a message which read: “you had such a beautiful soul” and “thank you so much for your support”.

Father Jeremy said: “Jennifer seemed lovely – lots of people have said that she was there for them through hard times, so it is hard to see such a caring person go and in such an awful way.”

Julie Huntington, who lives off Fair Mile, was a good friend of Ms Symonds.

She could not attend the vigil due to her role in a performance of Pardon Me, Prime Minister, put on by the Henley Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society that night.

She gave a speech at the end, asking the audience “in true theatrical tradition when an actor passes”, to honour Ms Symonds with a round of applause.

The audience’s claps filled the studio and Mrs Huntington walked off “in a mess”.

Mrs Huntington met Ms Symonds about 15 years ago after bumping into her a few times with friends. Since then, she “always came to our performances, she was a great support”.

Ms Symonds was meant to be at the performance on the day of her vigil, with the audience leaving a chair empty for her.

Mrs Huntington said: “I was actually getting cross with her because she had said she was coming but hadn’t answered by text about where she wanted to sit but I checked and there was only one tick [on WhatsApp] – it had never even been received.”

Mrs Huntington’s husband, Simon said of Mrs Symonds: “She was fabulous – a wonderful, giving and fun person to be around. She was a properly integrated part of the town – always smiling, always positive.”

He added: “We were all completely dumbstruck. Things like this don’t happen in such a small town like Henley – especially Phyllis Court of all places. She didn’t deserve anything like it – it’s shocking, absolutely horrible.”

Alex Richardson, a neighbour of Ms Symonds, described her as a “very kind, sociable woman”, adding: “She used to come into our pet shop in Bell Street to buy food to feed the ducks by the river with.”

Nelio Gouveia, 44, of Phyllis Court Drive, is accused of drowning Ms Symonds on March 6 and his plea and trial preparation hearing has been scheduled to take place on May 29.

There had been a significant police presence in the grounds of Phyllis Court Club while a forensic investigation took place both on land and in the River Thames. The private members’ club was shut for four days while this was carried out.

Police had also shut off access to the towpath, blocking walkers, cyclists and runners, and asked rowers not to pass that section of the river while the investigation was ongoing.

Last week, residents of Phyllis Court Drive told the Henley Standard that they were left “in shock” and “unsettled” by the investigation.

Pamela Staveley-Parker, 93, said that the mood in the neighbourhood had felt “gloomy” in recent days, with residents feeling “thoroughly depressed” as the news spread.