Residents' stories
Tribute to a veteran campaigner
Residents in the south of Hillingdon borough, and especially those in the Heathrow villages, were very sad to hear that Ann Sobey had died on Thursday morning, 23rd October.
In her later years, Ann (86) may have seemed a frail and diminutive figure but her appearance concealed a formidable character with a fighting spirit. The fact that Sipson survives as a village community, despite the perpetual threat of Heathrow expansion, is a testament to Ann's efforts for nearly half a century.
Ann and husband Bryan have been the driving force behind Harmondsworth and Sipson Residents' Association (HASRA) for longer than most of us can remember. No problem was too small, or too large, for this remarkable couple to tackle. There cannot be many residents' groups that, while dealing with the day-to-day gripes of locals, also have to battle with government to prevent the total destruction of their area.
David Brough, former head of democratic services on Hillingdon Council, told the Gazette: "I have known Ann personally for almost 40 years when as a junior committee clerk I used to deal with her correspondence to the Council.
"...I always admired her tenacity in fighting for the interests of local people along with her husband Bryan. Nothing was ever too much trouble for her to pursue whether it was litter in the villages, parking on grass verges, confronting the all powerful interests at Heathrow or challenging the Government over its airport policies. You rarely meet somebody with such a combination of spirit and civic pride."
Through the ups and downs of their own lives, Ann and Bryan have never stopped caring about our local communities. When the NoTRAG press secretary visited Ann a couple of weeks before her death, she found her at her computer, despite being unwell, formulating a response to the Equalities Impact Assessment.
Ann was an inspiration and, as with the recent loss of Reverend Bob Scott, Ann's death reminds us to appreciate the special people who dedicate their lives to our community.
UPDATE: Around 100 mourners, including Hayes and Harlington MP John McDonnell, attended Ann's funeral at St Mary the Virgin Church, Harmondsworth on 3 November. Although the Leader of Hillingdon Council could not be there, David Brough, who gave the eulogy, told the congregation that Cllr Puddifoot had sent a message to say the council would organise a permanent memorial to Ann.
NO THIRD RUNWAY ~ Heathrow is Big Enough
