Rose Easton

We received some sad news recently – of the death of OOG Member Rose Easton, aged 89. Rose's involvement in Oxfam began with cooking for fundraising lunches in the 1960s, progressed via many other activities to working on reception in Oxfam House, and after her official retirement she volunteered in Oxfam House and the Oxfam Book Shop.

Rose joined OOG a few years after its 1988 beginning. By that time the sale of second-hand goods was in full swing and a substantial earner for OOG, and she eventually contributed greatly to that with her 'Bygones' range of memorabilia. Rose ran her 'Bygones' stall monthly at a number of venues, including Woodstock antiques fair, for many years, raising thousands of pounds for OOG and Oxfam. She became expert in pricing a wide range of goods (and in charming other stallholders into giving free valuations) and as somebody who could talk very persuasively, never let a sale get away.

Over time the memorabilia stall evolved into the 'Nostalgia' stall which appeared at every Book Fair. For many years, visitors to the Book Fair included people who had come especially to browse her stall. In this way she raised hundreds of pounds at the Book Fairs. Rose often recalled a supporters' trip she took with Oxfam to India and the experiences and insights she gained into other lives. Her enthusiasm and determination will be missed by those who knew her. An example to us all. If there were only more of her, think how different the world might be...

Thanks to Tina Fawcett, Helen O'Neill, Pete Sulston and David Green for their contributions to this short tribute to Rose.

Did you know Rose, or have something to share about her contribution to OOG? Please add a comment to this post.