Former EFFRA Committee Member James Wetenhall died on 16th June 2024 at the age of 94. James served on the EFFRA Committee from May 2015 to February 2021 and was a Parish Councillor for the preceding twelve years.
James lived in Effingham with his wife Primrose for some 34 years. He first spent six years here during his long career at Courtaulds which involved moves to different parts of the country. They then decided to retire here to a house in Beech Avenue in 1994. James was a great sportsman and enjoyed golf and walking in his retirement. His wife Primrose predeceased him in 2022. He leaves behind five children, grandchildren and many friends.
He is recalled as an exemplary parish councillor. He was especially interested in the Beech Avenue/High Barn Road area of the parish and after a long campaign that preceded his time on the council he was instrumental in getting the unlimited speed limit reduced to 30mph.
He joined the EFFRA Committee partly to help improve the relationship with the parish council which was at that time strained due to differences over the Neighbourhood Plan. Committee members remember him for his courtesy and intelligence, his warm and positive personality and his concern for the best interests of the residents of Effingham.