Issue 50 — June 2002
In Memoriam
George Driver—George, who lived in Great Clarendon Street, died in January aged 74, in the arms of his wife Anne after a long illness. George grew up in South Africa, then during the Second World War he was with the British Army in North Africa. After the war he came to Oxford and worked at Pressed Steel for 39 years. He and Anne started a family here and saw the old Jericho change around them as the children grew up. The Drivers’ house has always been a friendly place to visit. One of the families that make Jericho special.
Tatiania Eglevsky—‘Tania’ died on December 31, aged 86 years. She was a much loved and well-known figure in Walton Crescent, who was very generous to her friends. Born in Russia, she left, aged three, with her mother and brother as a refugee and grew up in France. The family moved to London where Tania once made corsets for the Queen. After they moved to Oxford, Tania worked in the Bodleian Library. Tania had many interesting tales. She loved the university life and would go to the boat races and the post-exam celebrations.The Orthodox Church gave her a good send off. She would have been delighted with the singing. We shall all miss her.
Geoffrey New—Geoffrey, who died aged 69, lived in School Court. After the War, Geoffrey joined the army and saw service in the UK. One of the most remarkable things about him was his achievement in bringing up five children on his own for much of their lives. He devised many healthy pleasures for them, not least long cycling trips. Our condolences to his family.
Mabel Webster—A loved matriarch of her large family and a true friend to many, Mabel died on April 9 aged 89. She lived with her husband Jack in Juxon Street for 38 years before moving to Grantham House 15 years ago. Their home exuded love, laughter and hospitality. Mabel was artistic and a superb dressmaker. She was a member of the Co-op Guild and with fellow committee members put on hilarious shows to great applause. She was brave in the face of tragedy, especially in her last battle with cancer. At her funeral service, a packed chapel heard two of her grandchildren read out her reflections on her life and then sang her favourite hymns. A fitting finale for a wonderful lady.
