It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Janice Kay, a stalwart of the Richmond Society’s Executive Committee for many years.

Janice was a Trustee of the Society for 28 years and as Programme Secretary was in charge of arranging our talks. She did this assiduously with a thoroughness and close attention to detail that left nothing to chance.

These attributes and expertise had been learned in her professional life as a television director.

Her daughter Serena said in a notice announcing the death of her mother: “She was a pioneer and trailblazer being the first and youngest, female television director ever in the UK. Her career took her all around the world and she worked with all the top names in the entertainment industry. She moved to Richmond in 1961, where she has lived ever since. Janice became involved with the Richmond Society about 28 years ago when she took over the Press and Publicity side. Janice worked tirelessly for RS, organising all of the Speakers throughout this time. Janice used to set out all the chairs on her own, sell the refreshments, cope with the IT issues and ensure that every speaker was treated professionally and looked after. Janice was passionate about Richmond and its community and ambience and gave so much of her time and energy to the Richmond Society.”

Janice died peacefully at her Richmond home on Tuesday 6 November after an illness which in recent months had prevented her from continuing the active role she so enjoyed playing in the Society’s affairs. We miss her greatly.