The Revd. Liz Davies

We were shocked and deeply saddened by the death of Liz Davies on 16 December, following a short illness. Liz was well known and much respected in the churches and community in Ickenham, where she lived with her family for many years.

Liz was a very active member of the United Reformed Church, where she made a strong and positive contribution as an elder. She had particular gifts with children and young people, and will be especially remembered for her work with them. She led the Seniors' Department of Junior Church and ran a Saturday Club for the young people. Liz recognised that young people will only be attracted to the Church if they are enjoying themselves, and the fun element was characteristic of all her work with them. There were many outings, for example ice-skating and bowling, and she took the young people away for weekends. Liz liked to organise events where adults and children could do things together, and thus break down barriers, which sometimes exist across generations. There were many enjoyable parties and events to raise funds for good causes. However, as a deeply committed Christian, Liz's primary purpose was to help people - young and old - to grow in faith and be nurtured in the church.

Liz will be remembered for the years in which she led the annual Holiday Club, together with Jack Clarke. Holiday Club was already an established event in the village, but Liz helped to develop it further using her considerable skills in administration and organisation. The afternoon sessions of crafts and games began during the period when Liz was involved.

The pantomimes Liz produced gave a great deal of pleasure to those who took part, and the audiences who watched. Some of you will remember Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, Robinson Crusoe, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Toad of Toad Hall. Liz enjoyed drama and saw its potential in worship. She produced some excellent Easter plays and used sketches in services most effectively.

In due time Liz responded to God's call to ministry, beginning as a Lay Preacher. The services she led were always helpful and often innovative. She encouraged active participation, and liked to include children and young people. Liz was a great supporter of the covenant between our two churches, and seemed to be equally at home when involved in services at St. Giles'. Liz began training for non-stipendiary ministry in the United Reformed Church and was ordained in September 1994. Since then she has been Associate Minister at St. Andrew's URC in Ealing, where her gifts have been deeply appreciated. During her ministry in Ealing, Liz continued to live in Ickenham, and so maintained her links with the churches and community here.

There was a private service at Breakspear Crematorium on 23rd December, but on 10th January there was an opportunity for everyone to give thanks for Liz's life. " A Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving for the life of the Reverend Liz Davies" was held at St. Andrew's Church in Ealing, attended by around 300 people including many from Ickenham. Three tributes were given, expressing appreciation of the many things Liz has done, and all she was as a person. Some of the children from St. Andrew's gave a dramatised Bible reading and sang two songs. We sang some of Liz's favourite hymns and enjoyed listening to various musical items. The Ickenham URC choir sang the introit and blessing. It was clear that Liz has touched many lives and left a deep impression on those who knew her.

Liz will be remembered as a warm, friendly person who encouraged others to discover and develop their skills; who was tremendously hard-working and committed to any task which she undertook; who had the vision and courage to take on large projects but also, amid a very busy schedule, still had time for individuals and for many thoughtful acts of kindness and generosity.

We send our prayerful sympathy to all Liz's family in their sad loss, and we give thanks to God for all she meant to us.

Anne Dove

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