Members of the Bridgend Group were greatly shocked to learn of the sudden death of Jennifer John on 23rd July. Jen - as she always preferred to be known - had been an active and enthusiastic member of the Group for many years. In particular, she took on the demanding role of Programme Secretary, and arranged speakers on a wide variety of topics for the Group’s indoor meetings.

In her working life Jen had been a journalist with the Western Mail & Echo. This had given her a wide circle of contacts – a useful qualification for a Programme Secretary. In addition, she had a broad range of interests, and took degrees in history and environmental studies after her retirement, as well as tackling the Welsh language.

Living near the dunes in Porthcawl, Jen enjoyed her garden and the wildlife which it attracted. She fed the birds and also participated in the BTO Garden Birdwatch survey. Watching birds and other wildlife was a great timewaster, she would happily admit.

Jen did a great deal of work for the Trust in addition to securing speakers for local Group. She was always the first to step forward whenever volunteers were needed.

She was one of the team who help to send out the hundreds of membership renewal letters each month. She took an active interest in the Local Groups Forum. And at Group meetings, apart from looking after the visiting speakers Jen would also go out of her way to welcome new members.

Jen leaves two daughters and a son, as well as grandchildren and two great grandchildren - her family was central to her life. We send them our condolences and we remember with gratitude the energy and devotion which she brought to her work with the Wildlife Trust.

-- Peter Hatherley, Bridgend Local Group