We are very sad to announce that our dear former treasurer, Libby Goodchild, has passed away at the age of 86.

Libby elevated our meetings with her presence and wise words. She felt deeply about environmental issues and made thoughtful contributions to our debates. She was a stalwart delivering newsletters and leaflets in Dorchester, in the early days single-handedly. At that time she hosted Green Party meetings in her cosy upstairs living room welcoming people with a hot drink and biscuits. She was our treasurer for many years even into her 80s.

Our local members have been paying tribute with fondness, describing Libby as "an enlivening and generous presence. A truly lovely lady."

Sue Greene has supplied this tribute:

"I always admired how Libby managed to live simply; we in the West Dorset Green Party appreciated her hospitality to us for many years for our monthly meetings. Personally I valued her welcome to me before hustings in Dorchester and for driving me home to Thornford after meetings in the early 90s. She was a diligent treasurer of West Dorset Green Party for over a decade and later for the larger West and South Dorset Green Party.

Her little income was earned by brilliant dancing teaching with thrilling results.

I've missed her sadly recently when she's not been able to come to Green Party meetings, thankfully remembering her constant help when our numbers were few."

Sue Greene, Sherborne.