Heartfelt thanks to Hitchin woman who devoted her life to serving others

Betty Goble – who passed away at Garden House Hospice in Letchworth at the age of 80 – was passionately involved in local government, having first been elected to Stevenage Urban District Council in 1969.

She then moved to Hitchin in 1976 and was elected to represent the Highbury ward on North Herts District Council.

She was appointed by the Secretary of State for the Environment to help set up the Environment Agency, was a founder trustee of Groundworks Hertfordshire and was also employed to introduce voluntary services at Lister Hospital after it first opened in Stevenage in 1972.

She also received the Duke of Edinburgh award and the Freedom of the City of London.

Her niece, Gill Foley, said: “She was lovely. She was a really nice person, a very positive person – a really interesting person who cared about people and worked tirelessly in local government.

“She was well-known in the local area and was a very popular lady.”

David Cansdale, a retired senior officer who served with Herts police, said: “I knew Betty when she and her husband Peter Goble were both members of the Hertfordshire Police Authority.

“She was a wonderful person, a remarkable woman. She had time for everybody. She was a very energetic person.

“Her driving force was to serve and help others. When she took on a challenge she would always see it through to the end diligently.

“Although she was a senior person she’d always seek out junior staff for a chat.

“When she came to Hitchin Police Station she would always take time to talk to our constables. She simply didn’t stand on rank or status – she could talk to everyone.”

Steve Harvey, executive director of Groundworks, added: “We’re proud Betty was part of us from the beginning, 30 years ago. She remained a dedicated and proactive supporter and we’ll miss her enthusiasm and commitment greatly.”

A memorial service for Betty will be held at St Mary’s Church in Hitchin on Friday, April 17, at 2pm.