After my school visit this morning, it was on to the Memorial Service at St Mary’s with St George church at the bottom of Cranley Gardens for Roderick Benziger – a long, long standing Liberal Democrat – and general community – activist.

When I got involved in the Liberal Democrats in Hornsey & Wood Green back in ’94 – it was stalwarts like Roderick who were keeping the party flame burning – when there was no electoral success nor prospect of it. So without Roderick (and Mo Chadirci – also sadly deceased) I would not be the MP and we would not have 27 councillors. Roderick was a man of real principle, integrity, intellect and commitment – and liked nothing better than a drink in the pub after campaigning where we would find something mutually agreeable to vehemently disagree about.

Roderick represented me at a meeting long ago for the Hornsey Hospital Campaign Group – and he campaigned with the group and myself for years extracting from the Trust the promise to replace the hospital. That fight to deliver what local people want goes on today.

He was also a school Governor at Muswell Hill Primary School and a keen poet and member of the Highgate Poets. The service was lovely and everyone clearly had a deep affection for Roderick. He had such character and was a Liberal to his toes. The Liberal Democrats and I send our love to Diana, his partner, who has been his love and his strength throughout the years.