Salisbury Cathedral Close
Preservation Society

The Society mourns the death of its past Chairman, John Wort, who served as a Trustee from 2000 and as Chairman from 2008 until 2016. When John retired back to his home town of Salisbury he joined The Society because he was interested in the care of The Close. Sir Robin Ibbs invited him to join the Committee, then become Vice Chairman and later John succeeded Sir Robin Ibbs as the Society’s Chairman. John’s calm manner, sound common sense and firmness maintained the respect with which the Society’s views were held with a succession of Chapter Clerks. Among his principal achievements was the Society’s response to the Cathedral’s master plan. The Society received a warm, hand written note from the Dean for its response to the Master Plan and that was certainly not because the Society had agreed with everything. He strengthened the membership of the Board with his invitations and its stability by his chairmanship and great sense of humour; it was always a pleasure to attend the Society’s Trustee meetings. He was always generous in his encouragement of the efforts of others and was much missed when he resigned in 2016.

We are sorry to report the death of Brenda Mackechnie-Jarvis, who died on August 20, 2017. Together with her husband Charles they were founder members as well as committee members of the SCCPS. Both had a keen interest in the Close and lived at Number 9 for some years having previously lived in London where they brought up their family. They later moved from the Close to Milford Hill Road and enjoyed the extensive and beautiful garden.

During her time as member of the SCCPS Committee, she gave well considered opinions about the changes to traffic management proposed by the then Dean. She readily took on the administrative responsibilities of the Committe. Brenda was the most practical of people and always optimistic. Her determination to maintain her fitness, particularly through walking, despite the pain and discomfort she experienced in doing so, reflected her positive view of life.

She made countless cakes for many good causes as well as the SCCPS and was always ready to help and support those in need. She elected to join a small group of elderly people who were offered the chance of studying GSE Latin which she greatly enjoyed and continued to attend and contribute to the classes until very shortly before her death. Mrs MacKechnie – Jarvis September 2016

The Society has been sad to learn of the death of Ronald Briggs on 28 December 2016. He was a founding member of its committee and played a very active role in promoting its early campaigns. Ronald served for a period as the Society’s Chairman. Long after his retirement from this role he continued as an active contributor.

Obituary:

University of Tampa – R Briggs Obituary

Ronald C H Briggs

On 27 July 2014 we had to announce the sad news of the death of our patron – Sir Robin Ibbs. Sir Robin chaired the Salisbury Cathedral Close Preservation Society for more than thirteen years, retiring from the post in 2009. He built a close working relationship with the then Chapter Clerk and his staff, enabling the Society to have a respected voice in all discussions of proposed developments in The Close

Sir Robin also arranged for the Society to contribute funds to a range of projects designed to enhance The Close.  His low-key, efficient conduct of the Society’s business, handled with his delightful wry humour, won the respect and warm appreciation of all those he worked with. He will be very sadly missed.

Click for obituaries in Daily Telegraph and The Guardian

Sir Robin Ibbs KBE