JOY Henbest, who has died aged 92, moved to Longhope in 1966 when her husband Bob became educational adviser for technology in Gloucestershire. Joy trained to teach at Homerton College, Cambridge and taught in various schools in Hertfordshire and Gloucestershire throughout her career. She believed that every child had a talent worth encouraging. When she left teaching, she was head teacher of Westbury School, postponing retirement until the school won a battle against closure.

During her working years, she was a founder member of Gloucestershire Association for Family Life and of the National Executive of Prison Visitors. In retirement, Joy became a leading Liberal Democrat in the Forest of Dean. She was Chair of the local Lib Dem executive committee and, as district councillor for Longhope, she was leader of the Liberal Democrat group on the Forest of Dean District Council. As one of her Lib Dem colleagues said “For all of us Joy was an inspiration, a conscience, a friend and a most wonderful person.” Joy retired from politics at the age of 80, relinquishing her seat on the district council ‘for someone younger’. Among all her other activities, Joy hosted Joy’s Show on local radio and shared memories and music from her lifetime.

Having trained as an art teacher, Joy maintained an interest in all things creative. Joy and Bob were married for 57 years and loved and supported each other throughout their life together. When Bob died in January 2009, Joy missed him terribly and she never really regained her zest for life. She leaves two daughters, Stevie and Vicki, son-in-law, Brian, two granddaughters, Bex and Ella and a great grandson, William. She touched the lives of many and will be missed.

Joy’s funeral takes place at Kettering Crematorium on April 29, 2016. There will be a memorial service at All Saints, Longhope in July.