Jane and Jean Alston met in London, probably after the end of Jane’s working day at St Bartholemew’s Hospital Dyslexia Unit and after Jean had attended a meeting at the National Children’s Bureau. There must have been some awareness of a mutual interest in handwriting and the extreme difficulties that some children experienced in school.

Fairly regular meetings took place and Sheila Henderson offered a meeting location at the London University Institute of Education. Sheila, Beverly Scheib and several others formed the action group.

Jane’s contribution to the group has been enormous. She was always a committee member, some time minutes secretary and deputy chairperson. At the Special Needs book sale and exhibition, held in the autumn of each year, Jane was always a volunteer. That was an example of how Jane gave generously of her time. She wrote for the NHA Journal, spoke at the conferences and helped many children through their particular difficulties.

As well as being a willing and competent member of the committee, Jane was a friend to other members; always welcoming and placable in discussion.

Jane’s period of service to the group has extended for a period of probably thirty years. She was the one who never withdrew or gave up.

As Jane will be greatly missed by her family and friends, she will leave a gap in the NHA that will be difficult to fill. I am sure that all her NHA colleagues will miss her greatly.

Jean Alston