Published 9th December 2023

Sadly, one of our members, Steve Lavender passed away on Thursday 7th December. Steve was an active member of several groups; a regular speaker, always supportive and guaranteed to meet you with a smile. He will be missed by many.

Steve’s funeral took place on Wednesday 13th December. The family requested no flowers but if you would like to make a donation to Marie Curie that would be appropriate.

Thoughts from some members who knew Steve:

I first met Steve in the u3a walking group about 5 years ago.  We discovered that we both lived in Penarth, so shared car driving duties.  During lockdown, we met in our gardens for coffee and cakes.

Then Steve roped me in to be financial examiner for Friends of St Augustine’s Church, of which he was Treasurer. Accounts were presented in excellent order, in triplicate, requiring me to buy a green pen, much loved by auditors, and tick the appropriate boxes.

Then he introduced me to rock and roll – the band Rocking 58! So, the last 18 months have seen us, and other u3a friends, dancing away, whilst raising funds for Marie Curie. The Charity which looked after Steve during his last months.

Steve was a member of Penarth Community Choir and sang at a concerts at St Augustine’s recently. He kept in touch with friends made throughout his life. Nobody wanted to forget this lovely guy – and neither will we.

Les Hales

Music was a very big activity and pleasure for Steve, in different ways, styles and levels.

At u3a, it was Singing for Pleasure and Music Appreciation while outside of u3a it ranged from formal Choral Singing to Care Home Concerts and Modern Music with a Rock ‘n’ Roll leaning. There was plenty of dancing as well as occasional ‘Open Mic’ performances in and around Penarth; the enjoyment of which he passed on to friends.

Tony Baines

More News ...