Busy Life of Hon Freeman Remembered at Touching Thanksgiving Service

Published on: 21 Mar, 2023
Updated on: 23 Mar, 2023

Jenny Powell

By Martin Giles

The life of Hon Freeman Jenny Powell, born in 1939, was remembered today at a thanksgiving service held at Holy Trinity Church on the High Street, the usual venue for Guildford’s civic church services.

Amongst a full congregation, in addition to the late Hon Freeman’s family, was the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More Molyneux; the Mayor of Guildford; Dennis Booth; his Deputy Masuk Miah; the Hon Remembrancer, Matthew Alexander; and about 25 honorary freemen, aldermen and councillors.

The Rev’d Canon Robert Cotton addresses the thanksgiving service

The service was conducted by Canon Robert Cotton who remembered the former magistrate and borough councillor who gave 25 years of public service, fondly, recalling with amusement her pride in being Welsh, her sense of humour and her forthright advice, joking that for once he could speak and she would have to listen.

Touching eulogies were read by her former councillor colleague and neighbour Andrew French and her son Graeme who recalled the busy life of his mother after she was widowed, aged just 50, and how when made a Freeman of Guildford in 2015 she decided to exercise her right to drive sheep over the town bridge.

Guildford Freeman Jenny Powell driving “her” sheep over the Town Bridge. In the red robe is the Mayor of Guildford at the time, Gordon Jackson.

He continued by recalling some poignant moments of his mother’s life during her serious illness and how eventually, near the end, she simply wanted to be with her Lord.

Hymns sung were: Immortal Invisible, God Only Wise, Great Is my Faithfulness, O God my Father and Love Divine All Loves Excelling.

Following the service, a reception was held at the Guildhall.