Hazel Talbot dies

The United Reformed Church Elder and former magistrate and prison Board of Visitors chairman was 77. She died in the Conquest Hospital following a fall at her home last month.

Hazel Talbot did not just have a strong faith - she lived her faith. Her beliefs and standards were the foundation of all that she did in the course of a life devoted to church, family and public service.

She brought wisdom, understanding, insight and a robust sense of natural justice to her 32 years as a local Justice of the Peace. This was never more readily apparent than in her chairmanship of the Juvenile Panel. She had also chaired the Probation Committee.

Her long and devoted service as a member of the Board of Visitors at Bexhill's former jail, Northeye, also included the chairmanship of the national Association of Boards of Visitors.

Her chairmanship of the Northeye Board was distinguished her foresight in penning a typically trenchant and forthright annual report in 1986.

The board warned the Home Office that seeking to increase the number of inmates held at the Category C jail without increasing the hastily-converted RAF camp's staffing and security risked fermenting internal unrest.

The riot which swiftly followed when the warning was ignored caused 4.2m worth of damage and catapulted Bexhill into the national headlines.

Hazel devoted immense time and effort into voluntary work at the prison.

This revealed her to possess in equal quantities the ability to see some good in every wrong-doer without losing essential objectivity.

Hers was a no-nonsense faith and therefore hers was a no-nonsense way of life. She spoke and acted with conviction and compassion - but pulled no punches. She looked you straight in the eye, spoke her mind - but still smiled.

Hazel was born and educated in Tooting. She met her husband, Derek, when they were both 17 at a meeting of the Balham and Tooting Labour Party League of Youth. Both remained active party workers until moving to Bexhill in 1957.

They shared so much together in addition to their devotion to their church including their work for the former Bexhill Road Safety Committee. Derek was secretary from 1959 to 1979. Hazel was secretary from then until the group was wound-up in 1990.

Anticipating today's 'green' movement by many years, the couple toured using a tandem bicycle.

They had married at their local Presbyterian Church in 1951 and joined St George's Church (now Bexhill United Reformed Church) on their arrival in Bexhill.

In addition to Derek, Hazel leaves a daughter, Sally, and sons Brian, Peter and Robert and grandsons David and Igor.

Hazel remained an Elder of the church until the end. She was in charge of the Sunday School for 15 years.

She chaired Bexhill Council of Churches (now Churches Together in Bexhill) in 1997.

Hazel Talbot will be remembered with affection and respect in the town as one of Life's "givers."

She gave unstintingly of her time. She led by example. Bexhill has good reason to give thanks for a life characterised by generous and happy commitment.