Cllr Sue Bartlet was the leader of HCC Labour Party during the 1980s and Chair of the County Council in its centenary year 1988-89. So your article on page 31 of last week's Chronicle describing Cllr Taylor as the first female leader of any political group at HCC is unfortunately incorrect.

Sue Bartlet has left two lasting legacies on Winchester. She was responsible for the bronze statue of the Hampshire Hog at the main entrance of the county offices and judging by the well-polished snout, much loved by passing children. She was a constructive local politician who collaborated with those in the opposite party, a philosophy that is sadly lacking in these divisive times.

But perhaps Sue’s greatest achievement was her academic research at Southampton University where she discovered the remarkable story of a prominent but long-forgotten 13th-century business woman leading to the publication of her book in 2009 Licoricia of Winchester, Marriage, Motherhood & Murder in Medieval Anglo Jewish Community. Without this, we would never have known about Licoricia or have her charming statue in Jewry Street. 

Sue’s was a life well lived and a contribution to our society not to be forgotten.

Chris Higgins,

Edgar Villas,

Winchester

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