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Oundle’s history; their knowledge and research skills knew no bounds, resulting in numerous books, articles and papers on all manner of local historical topics, perhaps the most notable being Coleman Binder’s amazing diary recording life in Oundle during World War One. Ioan’s comprehensive knowledge of local maps, specialist interest in ecology and belief in the importance of landscape history as the basis of these studies, led to papers ranging from The History in Our Landscape and The Enclosure Act of Common and Open Fields, to 19C Sewers and Water Supply, Local Transport and A Stone Trail for Oundle. A founding member and trustee of Oundle Museum in 1993, he was soon helping to draw up its constitution and administrative procedures, as well as organising the steward rota and finding time to provide occasional talks and display material. This generous input was recognised when the Northamptonshire Museum and Historic Houses Forum presented
him with an honorary award in 2013. Alice and Ioan were both Quakers, and after their marriage in 1980 they
began to hold Quaker meetings in their home. This was much more convenient for Ioan, who previously had been known to cycle to the Peterborough meeting house. The group expanded and subsequent meetings have been held in a number of venues.
Ioan’s life was conducted with Quaker principles to the fore. His care for people was paramount and shown in his work as a Volunteer Action driver, trusteeship of Oundle Rural Mind and concern with such local issues as town development plans and the procuring of Fletton Field for the town. His conduct during Quaker and museum business meetings was a lesson to all, contributing only if necessary and invited to do so, then weighing up the argument and calmly suggesting the agreed and final solution. A familiar figure on his bicycle, Ioan’s concern for green matters and work for Transition Oundle knew no bounds,
an excursion with Alice to the Isle of Arran using public transport, when both were well into their 80s, being the crowning glory.
Ioan’s persuasive powers caught many unawares, the groundwork already covered and approved of before the unwary readily agreed to take up the position or carry out the task. This was especially useful when it concerned his work for Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust and local projects in Short Wood and Glapthorn Cow Pasture.
His many Oundle friends became a part of his extended family and he delighted all by showing a concern for their welfare and interest in their activities. A museum steward summed it up admirably by saying: “Ioan was such a lovely person to have a conversation with, so knowledgeable and interested in life. I enjoyed my stewarding times with him. Like Alice, his recall of Oundle historical facts was amazing, but also anecdotes of his time at Oundle School and some of his family history were fascinating. He will be missed.”
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Health & fitness
for all
Early next year Oundle will be home to the new Oundle School Sports Centre, welcoming everyone in the community to the very best in sports and wellbeing.
Facilities will include a 50m pool, air-conditioned fitness suite, exercise studios, sports hall, racket courts, café and free parking.
For further details about the project
and membership information visit: oundlesportscentre.co.uk THE OLD OUNDELIAN 2018 –2019 <<<RETURN TO CONTENTS 59