Thelma Smith. 1937 - 2017

You can discuss anything here, Jensen related or not. Technical discussions / questions may be moved to the correct Forum.
User avatar
Bill Smith
Posts: 25
Joined: Wed Oct 29, 2014 12:20 pm
Location: Oxfordshire

Thelma Smith. 1937 - 2017

Post by Bill Smith »

It is with much sadness that we have to report the death of Thelma Smith. Thelma and husband Ron were long time committee members and event organisers. Our condolences go out to Ron.
Further details will be posted here when known.
Bill & Wendy
Bill Smith
1973 SP
1938 Htype being restored
User avatar
shaun
Posts: 1539
Joined: Thu Nov 03, 2005 7:58 pm
Location: South Oxfordshire

Re: Thelma Smith. 1937 - 2017

Post by shaun »

Thank you Bill and Wendy,
Anybody that has been associated with the JOC over the years will know that Thelma was and STILL is a legend.
Words at this stage cannot convey her and Ron's input and commitment to the Club. They moulded the way the club has developed in a truly successful way for well over 30 years.
I would not be Chairman if Thelma had not enthused me many years ago to get involved with this truly lovely group of people.
No doubt many words and anecdotes will follow.
Thelma, you will be missed.
Shaun Winfield

Mk 3 Blue
2240/9847
JOC member no. 8822
stevej
V8 Lover
Posts: 384
Joined: Mon Oct 31, 2005 9:20 pm
Location: Bridgnorth,Shropshire

Re: Thelma Smith. 1937 - 2017

Post by stevej »

A sad day indeed, Ron and Thelma were our inspiration to become part of the fantastic club
that is the JOC.
RIP Thelma you will be sorely missed by your many friends.
Sincerest condolences to Ron.
Steve & Tracy
Attachments
IMG_5048.JPG
IMG_5048.JPG (468.53 KiB) Viewed 7308 times
IMG_5454.JPG
IMG_5454.JPG (134.28 KiB) Viewed 7308 times
Interceptor 1 115/3111
Interceptor 3 136/8617
Convertible 2340/9501
FF Mk 2 127/247
User avatar
Tim SP
JOC Interceptor Variants Registrar
Posts: 2414
Joined: Tue Oct 25, 2005 8:42 pm

Re: Thelma Smith. 1937 - 2017

Post by Tim SP »

What can I say, Thelma along with Ron always , have been the core of the club since long before most of us & helped make it the place it is, nobody would have made you feel more welcome, nor tell you off, esp if your me- Nobody worked as hard, for as long.

I can say this with utter fact- the club would be nothing without them both- I can't say anything more- Ron, the gentleman that you'd wish to know better, we cant offer more than our love.

Another stalwart has left us, poorer.
xxx
User avatar
VFK44
Co-Administrator
Posts: 9219
Joined: Wed Jan 10, 2007 10:04 pm
Location: Epping Essex UK
Contact:

Re: Thelma Smith. 1937 - 2017

Post by VFK44 »

A lovely couple, and the second 541 owners I ever spoke to (after Lennie Boulton). Thelma was at the first JOC car meeting, and for decades organised events and International with military efficiency. I was sad to hear that she was drifting into a world of her own, but heartened at last year's International to find she was as charming as ever and enjoyed having a conversation provided you did not expect it to travel in a straightforward direction. She seemed very happy, no doubt due to Ron's care.

A great loss to the Club, and to Ron.
"Now that chassis number is particularly interesting ‘cos it’s the one after the one before, which is the one after mine, not many people know that"
Stephen, Epping, Essex
User avatar
Martin R
Posts: 5932
Joined: Sun Jul 16, 2006 11:04 pm
Location: Chipping Norton, & Sydney Australia

Re: Thelma Smith. 1937 - 2017

Post by Martin R »

Oh no.
I'm deeply saddened to hear this news - Thelma such a lovey lady and my sincere condolences go out to Ron, who must be devastated.
RIP Thelma.
FF MK1 119/100
Interceptor MK3 136/8514
JOC Member 8905
zacmarshall
Posts: 5223
Joined: Mon Oct 17, 2005 4:22 pm
Location: Bristol, UK

Re: Thelma Smith. 1937 - 2017

Post by zacmarshall »

RIP Thelma and condolences to Ron.

I have many happy memories of relaxed weekends at Stoneleigh. As with the International and the NEC these were relaxed because of the huge amount of work that Ron and Thelma put in.

You will be sorely missed Thelma.
C-V8 II 104/2146 CHJ 948B
ex FF II, Interceptor I, II and III, SP, GTs and Healeys. You might say I got the bug....
JOC Member No. 5061
colin7673
now normal...
Posts: 4624
Joined: Tue Jan 10, 2006 11:54 am
Location: Spalding Lincolnshire
Contact:

Re: Thelma Smith. 1937 - 2017

Post by colin7673 »

R.I.P Thelma. You will never be replaced.

Our thoughts and prays are with Ron at this very sad time.
Only working half a day now.
http://www.jensensontour.co.uk
User avatar
interjen
Posts: 700
Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2005 4:05 pm
Location: Them there Wolds!

Re: Thelma Smith. 1937 - 2017

Post by interjen »

So sorry to hear this sad news, Alison and i had a long chat "and giggle" with Ron and Thelma at this years international, looking back at Stoneleigh which of course was Ron and Thelmas "baby", we had such fun back then, i still think Alan as Rene was one of the most hilarious and precious memories we hold with the club! We also laughed about the 'sheep show'! These memories are the ones we will hold with Ron and Thelma, these were "great memories". Our thoughts go out to Ron at this sad time.
Simon and Alison.
Image
2340/1842 Int Conv
1640/30077 GT
115/3215 Int MK1
Bentley 111
Mk1/Mk2 Jag
DB7 Vantage Volante
1926 Clyno Royal Saloon
1922 Aveling and Porter Steam Roller (Sally)
GPZ900R
Alan Smith1
Posts: 326
Joined: Thu Oct 27, 2005 10:45 am
Location: Devizes, Wiltshire. UK

Re: Thelma Smith. 1937 - 2017

Post by Alan Smith1 »

Thelma Smith
1937 to 2017.
Our sorrow, grief and love to Ron.
Thelma was born in Linton, near Burton-on-Trent. After attending infant and junior schools she went on to Ashby-de-la-Zouch Grammar School. She was a keen athlete being the Netball and Rounders team captain. She was also very proud of being chosen to hurdle for the County of Leicestershire. Thelma decided to make a career of teaching and trained to be a teacher at the Derby Teachers Training Collage, choosing Arts & Crafts and Music as her specialist subjects. She remained in the teaching profession for 30 years becoming Head of Department before taking early retirement in 1987.
We have known both Ron and Thelma, whom she married in 1959, for many years. They came as a package, Thelma was the ‘Organiser’ and Ron was her ‘Right Hand Man’. Their dedication and hard work for the JOC cannot be exaggerated. Thelma, together with Ron organised and ran every single event in the JOC calendar. These events included: - The International Weekends, the Spring Weekends, the indoor shows such as the Classic Car Shows at the NEC, Manchester and Brighton and of course the legendary ‘Stoneleigh’. The local ‘Noggin and Natter’ was held at their home in Linton.
Thelma’s standards were extremely high, which gave the club its reputation for perfection, a reputation carried over to this day. In 1997 Thelma, together with Ron received ‘Honorary Life Membership of the Jensen Owner’s’ Club’, given by the Chairman of the time, Ed Pillinger. In 1998 they jointly won ‘Britain’s Leading Classic Car Club Personalities’ at the NEC awarded by ‘Classic and Sportscar’ magazine. In 2002 they were the subjects of a ‘This is Your Life’ presentation given by John Lane. And in 2006 they were instrumental in the Club being awarded ‘Club of the Year’ by the same magazine and Meguiars. Also Thelma was responsible for winning many ‘Best Club Stand’ around the country.
As I said before Thelma’s achievements for the club cannot be exaggerated, she dominated the scene for many years and as we found out, can never be replaced, she was formidable and funny, it was for us and many more an honour and privilege to have known her.
Alan and Jean Smith.
Cheerio for now, Alan.
Richie
V8 Lover
Posts: 4571
Joined: Mon Oct 24, 2005 8:08 am
Location: Near Cardiff

Re: Thelma Smith. 1937 - 2017

Post by Richie »

Such sad news - lost for words really.

I can only echo what has already been written, particularly Alan's statement that Thelma's (decades long) contributions to the club cannot be exaggerated.

Thoughts go out to Ron.
Mark Wright
Posts: 114
Joined: Tue May 22, 2007 6:55 pm
Location: Bournville, Birmingham

Re: Thelma Smith. 1937 - 2017

Post by Mark Wright »

So sorry to hear this news, our thoughts are with Ron at this sad time, Mark & Maria x
Jensen Healey Mk11 1973 (Red)
Morris Minor 1968
Triumph 1500TC 1974
Dave C
Posts: 207
Joined: Mon Jul 03, 2006 9:52 pm
Location: West Midlands

Re: Thelma Smith. 1937 - 2017

Post by Dave C »

Saddened to learn of Thelma's passing, the last time we met her and Ron was at one of the recent Coventry open days.

When we first joined the JOC Ron and Thelma were instrumental in the organising of events both nationally and locally with an energy and commitment second to none; although some time ago now we have happy memories of various Sandwell shows and lunches at The Terrace.

Our thoughts are with Ron at this dreadful time.

Dave and Sharron.
Invest in a Jensen they said, they're not making them anymore.
User avatar
Peter Neale
Posts: 75
Joined: Wed Aug 15, 2007 5:05 am
Location: Weymouth

Re: Thelma Smith. 1937 - 2017

Post by Peter Neale »

Having been away over Christmas, we have just got back to learn this very sad news. We can only echo everything that has already been said, Thelma will be sorely missed. Heartfelt condolences to Ron.

Jackie & Pete
Peter Neale

keeping it in the family
JamesE
Posts: 733
Joined: Sat Dec 09, 2006 10:52 am

Re: Thelma Smith. 1937 - 2017

Post by JamesE »

Very sad to hear about this. It was a day out with Ron and Thelma that cemented my love of Jensens and extended it beyond the Interceptor via a drives of their 541 and C-V8.
After that, we (nearly) always managed to catch up at shows (where she would usually tell me off for smoking) and I was always mightily impressed by her/their determination, friendliness, generosity and, above all, dedication to the Jensen cause. What a great loss.
Post Reply

Return to “General Discussion”