Wendy Broome MBE

10.01 | 23 October 2019 | | 7 comments

Tributes have been paid to Wendy Broome MBE, former chair of LARSOA (now Road Safety GB), who has sadly passed away.

The following notes about Wendy’s career in road safety have been prepared by her former colleague at Hertfordshire County Council, Theresa Casbard.

Wendy’s road safety career started around 1979, initially as a part timer and moved to full time when Hertfordshire was part of the first DfT funded project to establish best practice in road safety education. Herts was selected as a ‘shire’ authority and Sheffield as a city. At this same time Wendy studied for and achieved her degree.

Wendy was chair of Road Safety GB’s previous incarnation, LARSOA, from 2000-2003 and was instrumental in the merger of all the original associations, culminating with a final whole merger when London (ALBRSO) joined. I remember it being a huge feat to achieve. CRSOA and AMDERSOG were the other two associations that began the merging process.

Wendy was awarded an MBE for services to road safety, nominated by DfT.

Wendy was always keen to raise the profile of the profession and encouraged many of us, and me in particular, to become involved at regional and national level, as she had been.

She was also very keen to fly the Hertfordshire flag and encouraged me to take over her Road Safety GB regional role when she became manager of the road safety unit.

A number of my Herts colleagues have stated how very supportive she was to them when going through some very difficult times in their personal lives and I remember Wendy always having time for people both professionally and personally.

Wendy’s funeral will take place at Holy Trinity church in Bengeo at 1.30pm on Thursday 7 November, and afterwards at the College Arms in Hertford Heath. Family flowers only but donations can be made to the Friends of St Leonard’s.


 

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    Thank you so much on behalf of my mum and our family, for your lovely words Theresa and for the comments made with your memories of Wendy
    They mean a lot
    Thank you


    Lynette, Herts
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    0

    Whilst Senior Road Safety Officer for Highland Regional Council, I came in contact with Wendy on CRSOA and LARSOA and found her to be super-enthusiastic about Road Safety and always eager to encourage others. I agree with everything that has been said by Graham, Ann Marie, Steve, David and Bill. I am only sorry that distance precludes me attending her funeral.
    RIP Wendy Your work down here is done and greatly appreciated by many.


    Derek C Donald, Inverness
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    +1

    Very sadden to receive this news. I knew Wendy best when I was County Road Safety Officer of Northamptonshire and prior to my leaving Local Government was her Vice Chairman of LARSOA and I can still recall the conversation I had with her before the announcement I was leaving was made at breakfast in Glasgow when I had to say that I could not take over from her as I was leaving Local Authority work. Whilst being very surprised of my decision she was also very supportive of me moving on. She gave of her time generously despite her heavy workload with Hertfordshire – a real and genuine professional passionate about what her and all of us were trying to achieve. Thank you Wendy.


    Graham Feest, Worthing
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    +1

    I would like to echo the sentiments of my colleagues below – Theresa, David, Steve and Bill in their lovely tributes to Wendy Broome, who has sadly passed away. Wendy was a generous ‘mentor’ to so many of us, but also great fun to work with. She was giant in our profession, who’s shoulders many of us stand on today. Thanks for everything Wendy. Sincerest condolences to Wendy’s family and closest colleagues.


    Ann Marie Bailey, Cambridgeshire
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    +4

    More sad news so soon after Don’s passing. I was Wendy’s Vice-Chair for LARSOA and remember her very fondly. I certainly do remember the battles of Camden Town Hall and the effort both personally and professionally Wendy put in to bring the profession together under one banner. Many current RSO’s will not appreciate the debt we all owe people like her.

    As VC I always had Wendy’s support and encouragement to go on to become Chair, when there had never been a Chair from one of the smaller Metropolitan LA’s before. Wendy stood up and challenged the perceptions of the older County set and helped open up the organisation to everyone, whatever their background – a move that has reaped many benefits for us all and improved road safety for generations

    Again, one of the good guys who genuinely put the profession ahead of any personal thoughts or ambitions. You will be missed and thanks for everything you did for me x


    Steve Daniel Whitehouse, St. Helens
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    +2

    It was so very sad to read this news of yet another great servant of the road safety profession passing away prematurely.
    My duties as Chairman of IRSO and CEO of GEM Motoring Assist often involved contact with Wendy and I have the utmost respect for her outstanding contribution to our profession. I am sure that her legacy will be valued for many years to come.
    I offer my sincere condolences to Wendy’s family and friends on their very sad loss.
    David Williams MBE


    David Williams MBE, Uckfield
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    +5

    Lovely words Theresa. Wendy was such a warm person, totally agree that she always had time for everyone. I recall her work and effort when steering the ‘tricky business’ of the LARSOA/ALBRSO merger through the relevant management groups, usually at boisterous meetings at Camden Town Hall! It was through these actions that led in many ways to RSGB coming about at a later date. Sad to hear of Wendy’s passing.


    Bill Smith, GLASGOW
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    +4

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