Remembering Lionel

Remembering Lionel Francis

On Saturday morning, around forty people gathered for the unveiling of two special new planters and plaques sited outside Halstead Hospital given as a memorial to a much missed long-time Halstead resident, Lionel Francis who died in May 2016.

Lionel was both a long serving member of Halstead Rotary Club, for over 35 years and in more recent years, a keen and stalwart supporter of Halstead in Bloom.  He left a generous legacy for Halstead Rotary to use in its community work and it seemed only fitting to contribute the planters to enhance the entrance of Halstead Hospital and thereby provide a further boost to the efforts of Halstead in Bloom in its outstanding work on behalf of our town.

The unveiling was attended by Lionel’s widow, Jean and two daughters Sandra and Alison, as well as by representatives from Halstead Hospital, Halstead Rotary and Halstead in Bloom.  Keith Brownlee, President of Halstead Rotary Club presented the planters and paid personal tribute to Lionel’s exceptional service to the Club and the community of Halstead.  Julia Smith, Secretary of Halstead in Bloom has expressed gratitude for Lionel’s hard work for the organisation and for his loyal support over the years.  The occasion provided a poignant opportunity to mark Lionel’s dedication to Halstead and as someone who is very fondly remembered and much missed by all.