Dear Fellow Lib Dems,
It was with great sadness that we heard of the death of Rod and Sheelah Bailey. Rod was a great champion for Andover and a staunch Lib Dem, whose name often came up when canvassing. I enclose a note from Len Gates which does Rod and Sheelah proud.
Regards
Luigi

Len Gates writes:
Rod Bailey was born 27/11/1935 and died 14/1/2019, his wife Sheelah was three years younger and died 25/1/2019. Rod's funeral was last Friday and was a privatefamily only affair. Best photo I've seen is the mayoral one on his Facebook page (above). Please be aware his family did not want a big circus commemorating his life or passing.

Rod and Sheelah lived in Corunna Main, Andover. He was councillor for St Marys ward for 28 years until his retirement in 2011, mayor of Test Valley and a member of the Test Valley cabinet. In recognition of his long service he was later elected an honorary alderman. After retiring he remained involved in the local community as a trustee of Neighbourcare.

"Rod was our most senior and most experienced councillor and an inspiration to all who worked with him. He was much more than a colleague, he was a friend and confidante and a perfect example of how to be a good councillor. A real gentleman with an exemplary record of attendance at meetings, an encyclopaedic knowledge and wry sense of humour, he taught me and many others how to campaign and work to get the best for local residents.

Rod and Sheelah were always ready to help, support, and welcome into their home, councillors, campaigners and party members. He was a real champion for Andover and its residents. Rod will be sadly missed and impossible to replace, but never, ever, forgotten."