We are sad to report that John Roberts, a founding member of the Welsh Liberal Weekend Schools, the predecessor organisation to the Lloyd George Society has died. John had apparently been very poorly since suffering a heart attack and stroke after surgery in March. His funeral will take place on Monday 23 November in Richmond on Thames.
John’s wife Liz has sent us these words about John’s involvement in Welsh politics.
“The Lloyd George Society held a special place in John’s heart. He often talked of the time when Judith Trefor Thomas and he set up the first Liberal Welsh Weekend School – at The Hand in Llangollen, I believe. They were unimpressed with the other weekend meetings on offer (in England, I think) and she spurred him into action convinced that they could organise something better themselves – and do it in Wales. They were delighted that it quickly blossomed and they clearly had great fun doing it. In later years John was tickled pink to take his family along to the Abernant Lake Hotel.”
John was involved in the Welsh Liberal party for over 50 years and he continued to play an active role in the Lloyd George Society after our mid-Wales school venue moved to Llandrindod Wells. He was consistently re-elected to our executive committee. John’s was an authoritative voice in our affairs and he will be sadly missed by all his friends in the Lloyd George Society.