Many readers will remember Evelyn Knowles, who had been an active part of the Ventnor community since 2002.
Evelyn was a strong supporter of this publication and many of her articles and reports were published here over the years.
We were very saddened to hear of the passing of Evelyn today (Sunday) through her grandson Sonny, who shares this obituary. Our thoughts go out to Evelyn’s family and friends. Ed
Evelyn became an active member of the Ventnor community when she retired as Cambridge City Councillor and Mayor in 2002. Her passion for supporting the local community was sustained through her whole life.
Volunteering in two local charity shops, the library, the Botanic Garden, Heritage Centre, the Arts Festival and the film club, all the way until she had to move away.
Important legacies
Evelyn raised money for the new Seabreeze children’s playground that was built overlooking the sea and an outdoor exercise facility for all ages in Ventnor Park.
As well as helping to defend Ventnor Library against closure and ensuring it was an important local community facility. She also gathered and recorded war stories from her peers and wrote for the local news.
Evelyn hosted joyous family get-togethers, Easter and Christmas celebrations, and summer holidays on the beach. She also continued to travel and explore the world, with visits to Hungary, Nice, Barcelona and Rome.
Mayor of Cambridge
She was Mayor of Cambridge for the Octo-Centenary in 2000-2001 and an active Councillor for fifteen years from 1987 to 2002.
Many people saw her as a bright light in the community during that period and she successfully ran the St Luke’s Community Centre.
Independence and strength
Evelyn’s story of independence and strength still resonates with many people across the generations.
Born in 1931 to a shopkeeping family in Fairfield Road, London; a Cockney raised well within the bells of Bow church at the end of their road. Her mother worked in the Fry’s chocolate factory in Hackney Wick and Evelyn did spend some time working at the nearby Bryant and May match factory.
Her love of Cambridge
She lost her father, Gunner William H. Knowles, during WWII. Many miles from home in Burma. That loss was remembered by Evelyn for her whole life.
Whilst her much-loved father was at war, Evelyn was evacuated with her cousins to Wales and then to Cambridge. It was here that she first fell in love with the city and the potential that it presented.
Towards the end of the war, Evelyn had the opportunity to study at Cambridge Grammar, and perhaps go on to one of the Colleges, but she had to return home to her family in London.
Evelyn was a beautiful teenager and won a beauty pageant at a Butlin’s Holiday Camp. At 17 years old she caught the eye of her first husband, Don, and they had their son, William, whilst Evelyn was still in her teens. Their daughter, Louise was born a little later in 1953. Evelyn had a second daughter, Gill, with her second husband, Frank, in 1963.
First member of her family to get a degree
When her children had grown and left home, Evelyn moved to Chesterton, Cambridge on her own and she never remarried; re-taking her maiden name after her father. Going back to college in Ealing, part-time, she became the first member of her family to get a degree.
Liberal Democrat councillor for 15 years
In 1987, she was elected as a Liberal Democrat councillor in West Chesterton, Cambridge.
A position she held for fifteen years, cycling everywhere, and working actively to promote more women in politics. Culminating in her selection as Mayor of Cambridge in 2000 for the Octocentenary celebrations, when she attended an average of three events every day for 365 days.
A loving matriarchal role
Throughout this period of politics and relentless work in the community, Evelyn fulfilled a loving matriarchal role in her family supporting both her children and her much-loved grandchildren through difficult times.
She will be much missed by them and her great-grandchildren.
Passed away peacefully
Unfortunately, dementia ultimately took hold of Evelyn and this forced an end to her determinedly solo living. Her final years were spent in care in Woodingdean, East Sussex, closer to her family. It was here that she passed away peacefully in the company of her two daughters and grandson, Ricci.
Her funeral will take place in Brighton on Friday 27th January.
Evelyn’s three children, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren succeed her.
Article edit
8.22am 18th Jan 2023 – Name of school and number of great grandchildren amended
Image: © Evelyn by Joye Rosenstiel and Tulips by Roman Kraft under CC BY 2.0
