Ron & Lilian Curnow

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Ron and Lilian Curnow came to Lacey Green in 1955.

Hallmark February 1987. It is with great regret we have to record the death of Mr Ronald Curnow who was well known as our local locksmith. He has served and been passionately interested in the community. Our thoughts and sympathy go out to his wife Lilian and family.

Lilian Curnow reported in Hallmark on behalf of The 81st Club in 6 editions in May, August, November 1996 and February, May and August 1997.

Lilian Curnow reported in Hallmark on behalf of Windmills WI (evening WI) twice between 1997 and 1999

The following obituary tribute given on the death of Lilian in 2012 by Rosemary Mortham tells their life story.

Lilian

Lilian was born in November in Kennington, London .  In the mid 1930’s, she joined a motor cycle club, where she met her husband to be – Ron Curnow. They married in 1939, and in 1943 moved to Church Lodge to be caretakers at Acton Congregational Church. Her mother came to live with them after her house was demolished during the Blitz. Their son Robert was born in 1947.

Lilian suffered from chest problems, and was advised to move to the country. She came to Lacey Green in 1955, and lived in a cottage in Kiln Lane, called Datcha. lt is one of the oldest houses in the village. Ron had a workshop, and set up in business as a locksmith.

They loved the British countryside, and enjoyed touring Britain in their caravan. They were real soul mates, and very content in their own little world. Sadly, when Ron was admitted to hospital for surgery, he developed an embolism and died. It was a blow from which Lilian never really recovered.

She filled her life with village activities, and became known by everyone. We all remember that she was extremely good at extracting money for raffle tickets.  At parties she was always a leading light.

For many years, Lilian was a member of the local Women's Institute, and also served as President. She was a member of Lacey Green Players Drama Group in their early days; a member of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) and helped with the Strawberry Cream Teas. She was very artistic, and enjoyed painting. She loved flower arranging, and helped with several flower festivals.  For a long time, Lilian was part of church life at St. John’s.

Her last major activity in Lacey Green was her 90^th  birthday party, which was attended by many of her village friends, her son and three grandchildren, Ben, Zoe and Jenny. After that it was decided that she should live nearer the family, and she moved to Deddington.

This required a huge readjustment, but she settled into life there, and made many friends at her local church. She died quite suddenly after a heart attack. St. John’s Church was packed for her funeral. She will be long remembered by all.