‘Blennie Powell’ 1897 to 1984

Our good friend Blennie Powell died in December. He, like his sister Norah, who was co-founder of this ‘Book of Little Shelford’ with me, was a descendant of the Wale family, who came to the village in the early 14^th century.

Upon his retirement after a successful electric engineer career he came to live with his sister at Gregory’s Close, his wife having sadly died soon after his retirement.

In the village which he loved he served on our Parish Council, he was President of the over 60’s club, which his mother founded, and he was a Trustee of the village Memorial Hall. After having inherited the allotment land he gave this to the Parish Council for a nominal sum. It was then christened ‘Blennie’s Patch’. Thus he followed the generosity of his sister who gave our beautiful recreation ground to the village.

Blennie was a valued member of the Cambridge Samaritans for some years. He was also an active Freemason, and was a devout churchman. He was loved by all for his generosity and his kindness. He will be sadly missed by us all who knew him.

He is pictured in the centre of the photo, with John Altham on the left.

John Altham (his cousin Dec. 1984)