Obituary: Dorothy Lindley-Jones

Dorothy Linley-Jones who with her husband, Peter were very active in the campaign to save and then to restore the Kennet & Avon Canal died on Sunday 10 July 2011.

Dorothy’s Lindley-Jones in 2008 with her daughters Susan Barker, left and Jane Barr at the ceremony  to name a lock on the Caen Hill Flight in Devizes in memory of her husband, Peter. Picture by Bob Naylor© 

Like so many wives involved as Kennet & Avon Canal Trust volunteers, Dorothy was hugely supportive of her late husband Peter in his role as Trust fund raiser, author and campaigner. Using her skills as a short hand secretary, she took care of the administration of countless projects which Peter masterminded, notably the two Newbury Boat Fairs in the 1960's, the 'Adoption Scheme' with Terry Kemp  and the 'Buy a Bench Scheme' in the 1970's and early 1980's, and Peter's co-authorship of the K&AC Trust History book in the 1990's. 

They were jointly awarded the John Gould  Award by British Waterways for services to the restoration of the Kennet & Avon. 

Following their move from Newbury to Hungerford, Dorothy was appointed secretary of the Trust's Hungerford branch and Peter became involved in the revamp of Crofton's cafe and shop.This involved him in designing and building the shelving and decorative panelling and Dorothy played a major part in stocking and staffing the new shop.

Their long term commitment to the canal and its restoration culminated in the purchase and fitting out of "Bumble Bee", a 30ft Springer narrow boat in which Dorothy supplied the creature comforts.

Aside from her canal activities, Dorothy was an accomplished organist, an active member of Devizes Conservative Ladies and the local Woman's Institute, and latterly together with Peter, joined the volunteer team staffing the National Trust's shop at Lacock.

Summing up Dorothy's contribution to the Trust, close friend Peter Jordan said " Dorothy was always there helping at the Trust's local events where and whenever she could. She was a real stalwart for which the Trust is truly grateful."

David Harris

Her funeral is at St Mary's Church, Great Bedwyn at 11.30 on Tuesday  19 July 2011