Many of us will have known Robert Ellis personally, and all of us must have been familiar with his face. Robert represented Knebworth and Codicote on Hertfordshire County Council since 1987 and was Leader of the Council since 1999. He was also a devout Ca

Many of us will have known Robert Ellis personally, and all of us must have been familiar with his face. Robert represented Knebworth and Codicote on Hertfordshire County Council since 1987 and was Leader of the Council since 1999. He was also a devout Catholic, loving family man and staunch supporter of many village organisations. Robert died last Tuesday at the age of 69. Many will share in some way the grief and bereavement of Ruth, his wife of 44 years and their family. Robert's funeral is on Saturday at 12.15pm in the Catholic Church of St Thomas More, London Road. At Robert's request there will be no flowers and no dark clothes. Donations if wished should be made to the St Francis Leprosy Guild, c/o Austins Funeral Service, 21 High Street, Stevenage, and it will be followed by a cremation to be attended by family members only and, fittingly, a gathering in Knebworth Village Hall for everyone. Robert was a very dapper man, often to be seen with a flower in his buttonhole, and I am sure he would have relished the Horticultural Society Spring Show. Billed as the finest daffodil show in the county, the show also takes place on Saturday in St Martin's Parish Centre. Doors open from noon, awards will be presented at 4.15pm and an auction of produce, including flowers and cakes, follows at 4.30pm. All classes are open, budding bulb growers and other gardeners keen to show off their wares should contact Gill on 222040.