This photograph from Easter 2007 shows members of Abingdon Baptist Church about to give out Easter eggs.
We got news yesterday from Revd David Fleming (on facebook) that Beth Fleming ( in the centre of the picture), died in intensive care with complications following Covid-19.
Many of you will remember that she became the Chairmum of the VWHDC (Vale of White Horse District Council) in 2010-11. Married to David, she had four children, and took a degree as a geochemist. She had run all sorts of breakfast clubs, and scout troops, and toddler and baby clubs over the years – some at school, some at Abingdon Baptist Church where David was the Minister. She put family before self and showed what a mother should be, welcoming many into her extended family. This was good training for getting involved in Abingdon local politics and becoming the chairmum of the district council. Her genuine concern for other people helped her win her council seat.
She was a great support to David as a Church Minister. She met him as a teenage member of Cemetery Road Baptist Church and saw the potential in him to be a minister long before he knew himself. As chairmum, David became her escort in turn.
After leaving Abingdon David and Beth have been at Limbury Baptist Church in Luton for several years.
Our thoughts are with David and family.
I am so sorry to hear of this. Deepest sympathy to David and his family.
May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
So sorry to hear this sad news. Our thoughts are with you David.
So sorry to hear that. Beth and David and her family lived just along the road from us when they were here. Best wishes to David and his family.
That’s Terrible news.
He son was in My son’s year at John Mason and I taught we her lovely daughter Sarah for years.
She saved my bacon when I bumped into her on the way to my first ever council meeting.
Jake has just been physically attacked. The police were on their way. I didn’t feel I could leave Jake as he’d been kicked in the head. Beth stepped in and looked after the kids all afternoon. She was that kind of lady.
She will be sadly missed by her family I know but also her new community , which I’m sure she’s made an impact on and left a big hole.
This is very sad news.
We became close friends with Beth and David when they were in Abingdon and you couldn’t find a more caring and generous person than Beth.
Beth and David had a huge and positive impact on our Abingdon community when they were here and went on to have a similar impact in the very different community in the Limbury area of Luton where they moved to.
This must be a terrible blow for David and the children. Their youngest is only 16.