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The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy |
ObituaryLesley PringIt was with great sadness that we received the news that Lesley had passed away on Monday 26th November. Lesley had the vision to realise that in order to continue to grow the GCCF must transform itself from its ‘cottage industry’ way of working into a business like organisation and the skills and desire to bring this about, overseeing the purchase of the first Bridgwater office, recruiting and training staff, getting all of the registrations centralized into the office, and setting up the first computerised data base. Starting with a ‘blank piece of paper’ she established an operation which has required little change up to the present day. I first admired the calm and assured way she conducted the Council and Executive meetings as Chairman, she demonstrated great political and diplomatic skills and always seemed to handle difficult situations with great calmness and authority. As time went by I was able to enjoy her friendship and always her generous and wise counsel. It was not until the time came to fill the post of Secretary, upon Lesley’s retirement, that it became strikingly apparent just how little her contribution has been understood by so many of us and how impossible it was to be to replace her. Having filled all of the executive positions, Lesley never lost her keen interest in the GCCF. Even after retirement as Secretary she continued her work on the Cat Welfare Trust, especially taking a keen interest in the veterinary projects. She was justifiably delighted when Council appointed her as our President and the last time I saw Lesley was when she proudly greeted the Mayor of Bridgwater at the official opening of the new office. Lesley was a very special person who, like no other, has left a lasting and very significant mark on the GCCF and may she live long in our memory. Our deepest sympathy is conveyed to Brian and family. Gordon Butler
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