Cylchgronau Cymru

JOHN SOUTHWOOD Died 17th February 1990 John was born in Widnes, Lancashire in 1914 and had spent his working life as an industrial chemist with the Distillers Co., I.C.I. and B.P. He had lived in Sussex for some years but soon after the tragic death of his wife in a car accident moved to Corner House, Gladestry. Shortly after this he joined the Radnorshire Society in 1973 and became a keen student of all aspects of life in the east of the county. He was also a member of the Kington History Society (of which for several years he was Vice-Chairman) and made a lasting contribution to that body and will perhaps be best remembered by the most valuable history he published on the Meredith family of Kington and Presteigne (early ironfounders, etc.). Of a modest disposition, he was a true friend to all who knew him and was always ready to make available the fruits of his historical research on which he worked until his sudden death following a massive heart attack. It was a privilege to be able to attend his funeral service at Gladestry Church to represent our Society, and to meet many members of his delightful family to whom we extend our deepest sympathy for the passing of an obviously much-loved father and grandfather. A man who was in every way a real gentleman. The donations in his memory were divided between the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust, The Kington Museum, The Kington History Society, and The Radnorshire Society. This serves to sum up some of John's main interests and concerns. John Stratton.