Page 16 - Thrapston Life April 2024

AN APPRECIATION
for the life of Jeanne Pike
At the beginning of February 2024 many people met in St James’ Church to remember Jeanne Pike who, with her husband Philip, only came to Thrapston in 1997, and yet it feels as if they have been here forever.
Jeanne spent the first 45 years of her life in the Bristol area where she met and married Philip and raised their family. Jeanne was very much
a worker and, amongst other job titles, could call herself a newsagent, post lady, lollipop lady, customer service supervisor and office manager.
They moved to Thrapston in 1997 when Jeanne was appointed Clerk to Thrapston Town Council, a job she transformed from
a ‘Vicar of Dibley’ image into a professional role. She was one of the first Clerks in Northamptonshire to both recognize the value of and to attain the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA) which is today the standard qualification. Jeanne became one
of the mainstays of this course in the county acting as a mentor to many a training and newly qualified clerk, her views being both sought and respected both countywide and beyond. She was also the driving force behind Thrapston Town Council applying for and becoming only the second in the county to achieve the
Quality Council award. Four years later,
it become the first to reaccredit. During
my nine years as a town councillor, her
support and calm encouragement was
my main source of retaining my sanity.
She was also a Churchwarden at
St James’ Church performing all the required tasks of the role as well as many others behind the scenes. Hers and Philip’s faith has kept them both during their time in our community, both during the good times and more recently during times of illness and pain.
It says a lot of the measure of the lady
that at the service, three past and present Rectors attended, as did seven past Mayors of Thrapston.
Jeanne will be very much missed by her family and many friends. Her legacy to us can be seen each month in Thrapston Life magazine with a thriving Parish Church and innovative Town Council running various events, of
which Jeanne was the early years trailblazing
“Almost right to the end she was singing hymns and thanking Him for her life. God is gracious indeed.”
administrator for such occasions as Thrapston 800, celebrating 800 years since the Market Charter was granted and early Parties in the Park.
I finish this appreciation by quoting her son Jon’s words:
“The literal meaning of ‘Jean’ is
‘God is Gracious’. Despite all the ill-health and knocks Mum suffered
in the last ten years of her life, she never complained, never criticised or doubted her beliefs or her faith in God. Almost right to the end she was singing
hymns and thanking Him for her life. God is gracious indeed.”
My thanks to Philip, Steve and Jon Pike for allowing this tribute.
Eric Franklin
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