If it wasn't for Geoff Lawrence, the Highfield Hemel Hempstead postmaster, and Liberal supporter, I might never have gotten involved in local politics. He encouraged and personally financed leaflets for his ward that I edited over 30-odd years ago and the Party started having a bit of success.
Even then, I put off becoming an actual member for a couple of years, but with Geoff's initial help and encouragement, I launched a newsletter for my own ward, and somewhat amazed, was subsequently elected to represent the Central Ward of Dacorum Borough Council.
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Geoff Lawrence who died earlier this November, just short of his 93rd birthday. STORY LINK to Hemel Today.
By Harry Cheesewright
Published 26th Nov 2019, 10:48 BST- 2 min read
Updated 26th Nov 2019, 14:40 BST
Geoff, who served as councillor for eight years between 1987 and 1995, died on November 5, just before his 93rd birthday.
Members of the council will pay their respects at The Forum this evening (Wednesday).
Geoff was best-known for founding and chairing the Dacorum Communities for Learning, which helped hundreds of residents get to know computers and their uses.
The former Lib Dem councillor, who was heavily involved with Bellgate Community Centre, was also passionate about creating a youth club in Highfield.
Cllr Ron Tindall, leader of the Lib Dems, said: "He always regretted that despite the efforts of a great many local people, his dream of a Highfield youth club was never achieved.
"Geoff also enjoyed his politics, and was at the centre of the Liberal Democrats in Dacorum right up to his retirement from public life.
"Users of the Community Centre will continue to be reminded of his work in the community by the plaque that was fixed to the committee room door when he bid Hemel farewell.
"He will live long in the hearts and minds of local Liberal Democrats."
Geoff, who led a scout troop in his teenage years, volunteered to serve on an aircraft carrier in the Second World War at the age of just 17.
After the war he lived in Harrow, marrying Pat in 1951, before moving to Hemel Hempstead four years later.
They remained together before moving down to Hampshire in recent years to be near their daughter and grandchildren.
Geoff's funeral is to be held at the St John the Baptist Church in Ringwood, Hampshire at 10.30 am on Friday, November 29. Donations to Cancer Research or MacMillan are welcomed.
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