Tribute to Richard Jeffries
It is with great sadness that we report the death of Richard Jeffries who had been a long standing member of the Normansfield and Richmond Foundation (previously known as The Friends of Normansfield).
When he retired as Director of Social Services in Richmond in 1997, he dedicated much of his life to supporting people with learning disabilities in the local community. He joined The Friends of Normansfield committee in 2001 and soon became the Chairman – holding the post from 2003 until he stepped down in 2017. He continued to be a trustee until his sudden death in May 2021.
In addition to his loyal service to The Normansfield and Richmond Foundation, Richard dedicated much of his time to Richmond Mencap and The Gateway Club – serving on both committees for over 20 years, much of that time as Chairman of both.
His commitment to supporting people with learning disabilities and their families made him a doer, a campaigner and a role model for staff and volunteers alike. He had a wealth of knowledge and expertise which he shared with everyone in his very quiet, unassuming way. He will be very sadly missed by all of us who had the privilege of knowing such a gentle, kind and caring man.
In recognition of the immense contribution and commitment Richard made to people with learning disabilities in our local community, the three charities (NRF, Richmond Mencap and The Gateway Club) have set up an annual award in his name. It is called The Richard Jeffries Butterfly Award for Achievement. Individuals can be nominated for something they have achieved during the year. Applications will be open each March with the award(s) being presented at the Learning Disability Awareness Event in June. Details of the nomination process can be found on the Richmond Mencap website: richmondmencap.org.uk