She was a people person. New neighbours were greeted by name on their second meeting, sometimes their first. At Saturday mornings in 10A South Grove she was often the first to approach someone standing slightly uncertainly by the door. She had an instinct for introductions: if two people shared an interest, she would connect them and leave them talking. A short walk through the area often became a series of exchanges: passing on news, checking how someone was getting on, or arranging to catch up properly later.
Jan served twice as chair of the Highgate Society, from 1997 to 2000 and again from 2015 to 2018. But titles mattered less to her than the objective of getting things done. She was deeply loyal to the Society and its aims, and her commitment was practical as much as organisational. She encouraged residents to join, persuaded hesitant volunteers to help, and turned up reliably: setting out chairs, welcoming people at the door, and staying behind to clear up afterwards.
Jan was a warm and determinedly social person, but she could also be direct. In meetings she was capable of being honest and blunt when she felt it necessary, but this straightforwardness was accepted because people knew it came from her commitment. Even those who disagreed with her always stayed on the most amiable terms.
Much of her contribution lay in the detail behind public events. She frequently organised rotas, ensured stands were staffed and information available, and would herself be present from the initial set-up through to the end of the day. At Highgate Wood Heritage Days, Lauderdale House Heritage Days, and the Fair in the Square she could be found explaining the Society’s work to visitors and encouraging them to join. She delivered the Buzz magazine, handled bookings at 10A for many years, and helped run coffee mornings and seasonal gatherings. People often found her “just helping” in ways that did not appear on any programme but made sure things ran smoothly.
She took a particular interest in maintaining the character of the area. Planning issues, local traders and community spaces all held her attention, but her approach was conversational rather than campaigning: she talked to people, listened, and gradually built understanding.
Her home formed part of this network. Friends and visitors stayed regularly, and gatherings there – sometimes planned, sometimes spontaneous – extended social connections. She kept up a wide circle of friendships and rarely forgot a birthday or anniversary.
Outside Highgate she travelled widely and kept close ties with Wales, where she had grown up, returning with stories that soon circulated locally. She enjoyed London’s cultural life – particularly opera, ballet, and concerts – and often encouraged others to come along, especially those who had never tried them before.
Her contribution to Highgate was not a single project or campaign but a steady pattern of involvement over decades: welcoming, organising, encouraging, and connecting others. Her absence will be noticed in everyday ways – the person who knew who to ask, who introduced neighbours to one another, and who helped things happen smoothly. The area feels quieter without her, and we will miss Jan hugely.
