This morning I was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Charles Kennedy.
He was always accessible, willing to help and encourage at grassroots level – friendly, bluff, goodnatured and witty.
He made several visits to Tring and Berkhamsted over the years. We canvassed together in Tring, he visited Tring School on one occasion and spent a lot of time engaging with and talking to the sixthformers.
Living by Tring station in those days our home was always the first port of call for a short break before the first events of the visit – whether joining us for an action day or speaking at a dinner or a school or a community centre public meeting. He was always the most charming company and a splendid after-dinner speaker.
When he was Leader and afterwards he never forgot us. If he saw me at Conference or elsewhere there was always time for a chat and an enquiry after the Tring and Berkhamsted teams.
The first picture shows Charles in Berkhamsted at the home of Betty Patterson with Garrick Stevens obviously enjoying a witty remark.
The second picture shows Charles with Ed Featherstone and myself during a visit to Tring School as part of a parliamentary campaign.
Charles was good man whom life might have treated better. He will be remembered by me with great affection.