Steve Trudgill - Obituary
Hinxton Parish Council
Steve Trudgill - Obituary
Steve Trudgill, who died on Tuesday in Addenbrooke’s Hospital, aged 74, after a short illness, entered into every aspect of community life in Hinxton, where he served as a parish councillor for 23 years.
His slightly stooped frame was a familiar sight as he walked the village footpaths for pleasure as much as his parish duties. He represented the council on the village hall committee, looked after the allotments and was a member of the Wellcome Trust Liaison Committee. He also loved the social events of the village where his occasionally waspish humour was often tempered by a characteristic giggle.
His enthusiasm for village life in all its aspects was at one with his distinguished academic career at Robinson College, Cambridge. Much of his work focused on the interaction of nature with people. Key themes throughout were the ‘personal meanings of nature … especially the therapeutic aspects in wilderness, nature reserves and gardens’ as well as the psychological importance of nature to our well-being, as he told the Hinxton News.
Steve was Director of Studies in Geography at Robinson from 1996 until his retirement in 2014, when he became a Fellow Emeritus. Until last month he was also Chair of the College Gardens Committee, according to a warm appreciation of his life and career on the Robinson College Facebook page.
He was a geographer, gardener, birdwatcher, author, opera lover and artist; that last particularly important to him. He will be remembered by his friends in the village as a very kind neighbour and friend. The final word goes to Steve from his contribution to the Spotlight spot in the Hinxton News written by Kate Riley in November, 2020.
Kate: “Your earliest memories of Hinxton and any outstanding events since?
“House-hunting in 1996, I asked a vendor: ‘What’s it like living in Hinxton?” “Very friendly, we have each other’s keys and feed each other’s cats” was the reply. “I’ll buy it” I said. “But don’t you want to look round the house first?” ”Yes,” I said, “but I’m still buying it”. I have never regretted that; Hinxton is such a friendly, supportive village. I went to a Parish Council Meeting as I thought it would be interesting. They said “we do have a vacancy”. I have just retired after 23 years on it. This gives me time to write my book ‘Why Conserve Nature: meanings, motivations and actions’ for Cambridge University Press.”
Chris Elliott, on behalf of Hinxton Parish Council
Links to:
Spotlight on Dr. Steve Trudgill (Hinxton News, Nov 2020)
Contact Information
Hinxton Parish Clerk , Anne Charteris
- 01799531827
- 07890512309
- www.hinxton-pc.org.uk
Find Hinxton Parish Council
Hinxton Parish Council, c/o 10 Duxford Rd, Hinxton, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB101RB