Haslemere and Lynchmere say goodbye to a pillar of the community

THERE was a packed church at St Peter's Lynchmere on Saturday (January 30) for the funeral of Laura Ponsonby who died aged 80.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Feb 2016, 10:53 GMT
Updated 2nd Feb 2016, 10:55 GMT

A pillar of both Haslemere and Lynchmere communities, she was a trained musician, a leading plantswoman, and an expert historian.

It was Laura’s idea to open Shulbrede Priory – her family home – to the public in 1980.

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She was a graduate of Guildhall School of Music and Drama and was a guide lecturer and education officer at Kew’s Royal Botanic Gardens from 1965-1994.

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She was awarded the prestigious Kew Medal for her ‘outstanding work’ on behalf of the centre.

She made a special study of celebrated Victorian plantswoman and botanical artist Marianne North and wrote a book about her connection with Kew Gardens, in 1990.

Laura travelled in her footsteps in India as part of her many world wide travels with friends and relations.

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Nearer home Laura filled the nature table at Haslemere Museum every week with flowers, grasses and mosses.

She was president of the Haslemere Natural History Society, the Midhurst Gardening Club and the Haslemere Recorded Music Society.

In 1980 Lynchmere celebrated the 900th anniversary of the church which included the first open weekend at the Priory.

She conducted botanical surveys for the Lynchmere Society, led nature walks for children, played duets at fundraising coffee mornings, was a member of the village appraisal group and hosted early Lynchmere Society meetings.

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