Your tributes to David Rendel

Public memorial event to be held in July

After serving as the town’s MP for 12 years, many people from different walks of West Berkshire life have shared their memories and thoughts of David Rendel.

Tributes came pouring in on Newburytoday’s Facebook page shortly after the Newbury Weekly News reported his death.

Peter Matelli said: “Disagreed with him over the by-pass but he was a genuinely nice man. Whatever your political colours he was an excellent constituency MP and seemed to take a genuine interest in whatever people did.”

Neil Dewdney went as far as to say that Mr Rendel was the best MP Newbury had ever had in his lifetime.

“He listened to people and represented their views. He was missed when he lost his seat and he will be missed more now.”

Nick Bull agreed. “One of the best MPs the area has had. He did so much for the town and I hope everyone who knew him in politics will agree. My thoughts are with his family.”

The tributes continued on newburytoday.co.uk

Annette Jane Pearce said: “This makes me sad to read. He supported myself and my husband when we had difficulties that led to my support of the Lib Dems for many years. Sure he will be greatly missed as a genuine man, my thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends at this time RIP Mr Rendel x”

Sons of former Liberal councillor Trevor Brown, Chris and Mick, paid tribute to their father’s great friend.

Mick said: “David was a fine man, and a true Liberal in the old sense of the word. A tireless worker for the people of Newbury and district. He was a great friend to my dad Trevor and he gave a wonderful tribute to him at his funeral. We may never see his like again. Wishing all the best to his family.”

Chris said: “David was a very caring and passionate man who our family held in very high regard. We should think and be thankful for the many achievements David made possible in West Berkshire and remember him with a smile.”

Madmaz on Newburytoday.co.uk reflected on Mr Rendel’s integrity during the hunting ban.

“He wasn’t afraid to make his views known which culminated with the Countryside Alliance digging up every Tory voter they could muster, to unseat him, when he made clear his opposition to fox hunting. In Lambourn he met the protestors and invited them to discuss the topic over lunch in the pub. Even they were impressed.”

She said Mr Rendel was a wonderful MP and a man of real conviction, helping to place their son in school and keeping in contact with the family.

“He cared. I don’t believe that we will ever see his like again.”

Former nanny to his three sons, Sheena Wills, paid her condolences to the family. She said that Mr Rendel kept her up to date with his antics on the campaign trail during their chats.

Former councillor and mayor of Newbury Garry Poulson said: “His values and success opened the door for ordinary folk like me to become involved in politics and I will always be grateful for the opportunity that his work afforded me. Kindest thoughts to Sue and the boys.”

The chief executive of West Berkshire Mencap, Leila Ferguson, whose husband Tony campaigned with Mr Rendel as a former councillor, said the former MP was a truly moral, hardworking politician, who inspired many people.

Former Thatcham town councillor and mayor John Boyd described Mr Rendel as an absolute gentleman and tireless worker.

“David was the reason I became actively involved as a Thatcham Lib Dem town councillor and he knew almost everybody we met by name. Impossible to replace and honoured to have regarded him as a friend.”

A memorial celebration of Mr Rendel's life will be held at the Newbury Corn Exchange at 1pm, Monday 4th July. All welcome.