Ninfield pays tribute to a pillar of the community

Cynthia Pettet, of Hollybank Cottage, Lower Street, documented village life in Ninfield and Hooe for around 15 years with her weekly Village Voice columns.

She was also embedded within her local church. Reverend Simon Earl, of St Mary's, Ninfield, paid tribute to a private woman, who will be missed by many local clubs and societies.

"She was so deeply involved in many things around here," he said. "Apart from her lovely personality, she was always ready to help where she could. She will be deeply missed."

As well as her church, Cynthia was involved with local flower arranging groups, and was for a time president of her bowls club.

Cynthia was admitted to the Conquest Hospital, Hastings, three weeks ago after her health deteriorated. Revd Earl described the loss as "very sudden." She died on Friday, September 3.

Former Bexhill Observer deputy editor John Dowling worked with Cynthia for many years on her regular Village Voice columns.

He said: "She will be sadly missed, not just for her own highly individualistic contribution to village life but for the self-evident joy with which she undertook it.

"It was infectious. She would breeze into the Observer office with her ready smile and her sincere enquiry over everyone's welfare.

"No matter how fraught the office moment might have been before her arrival, Cynthia's smile and warm personality brightened the day.

"She was irreplaceable."

Observer group editor Keith Ridley said: "Cynthia will be missed by all at The Observer, not just for her many contributions to the paper, but also her warm and friendly personality.

"Her work brought the events of village life into the homes of many thousands of readers over the years."

A funeral will be held at 11am on Tuesday, September 21 in St Mary's Church. All are welcome to pay their respects.