Fred Wright (1927-2014), a former Oxford Hospitals medical consultant, was heavily involved in Swinford Bridge inquiries in 1983 and 1994. He successfully championed the development of Eynsham Village Hall, as recounted in the Eynsham Record 19 (2002) pages 14-18, and continued serving on its Management Committee. The photo above was taken by Linda Dodds on 16 May 2009.
Fred joined Eynsham Parish Council in 1991, initially to fight the huge gravel extraction threat to the whole area between Eynsham and Cassington from north of the A40 almost to the River Thames. He served as Chairman of Council 1997-8; and continued drawing on his extensive experience until retiring.
A ‘Marmite’ person, perhaps? The Eynsham Society tribute, also published in Eynsham News, is posted below.
It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of Fred, a long-standing member of the Society and its chairman for the last six years. Although he had not been at all well over the last few months, in his inimitable and dogged fashion he had made a number of determined efforts to fight his condition which seemed to presage a recovery at any moment.
It is particularly sad that he had no chance to make the most of his new role as honorary president – a position which reflected our enormous appreciation for all that he has done for the village and the Society over the years.
Fred’s direct, often combative but meticulously researched approach was not always well received in some quarters, but was driven by a strong sense of justice with no hint of self-interest – he had no time for laziness or incompetence and treated authority with respect only when it was earned.
He would have been particularly gratified to see the turnout, concern and support shown at the recent open meeting in the village hall seeking views on the County Council’s consultation document on Minerals and Waste (especially local gravel extraction) plans up until 2030.
We very much appreciate the sense of purpose shown for keeping the immediate environment of the village as pleasant as possible for everyone, while recognising that economic demands inevitably bring change.
The Society will, however, continue to reflect Fred’s concern for the well-being of the village and its environment in its desire to foster established as well as new projects and ventures.