Arthur Jenkins: A man entrenched in Alderminster life
A FORMER chairman of Alderminster Parish Council, who, among other things, also founded the village’s gardening club, has died suddently, aged 82.
Arthur Jenkins suffered heart failure while in Warwick Hospital on Saturday, 28th May.
Arthur, who recently moved to Shottery from Alderminster, was also a member of the Parochial Church Council in Alderminster and later treasurer, a founder member of The Friends of St Mary charity, editor of the Village monthly newsletter, instituted the local Amblers Club, and was the founder and first chairman of The Bell of Alderminster Investment club.
A keen singer, he was a regular member in the Alderminster Church choir as well as a tenor in the Stour Singers where, once again, he was their treasurer.
For several years he was treasurer of Shipston Deanery, and also acted as an advisor on Continuing Ministerial Training for the Coventry Diocese.
Arthur was born in Solihull to Welsh parents and his formative school years were spent as an evacuee in Pembrokeshire, although he returned to the West Midlands as a teenager and took a place at King Edwards Grammar School, Five Ways, before returning to Wales and Cardiff University before becoming a solicitor.
He took a Teaching Diploma and began a career in education, latterly becoming vice-principal of Handsworth College, was involved with national examination boards and government education quangos.
On his retirement, he wrote text books that are still in print for GCSE students.
He leaves wife, Ann, a son and daughter, two step-sons, seven grandchildren and a great grandson, all of whom, along with his friends will miss his wit and good council.