We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kirsten Shaw. Kirsten was a dear friend to many of us in Haddenham and there is a real sense of shock at her demise despite the knowledge, shared by many, that she had been undergoing treatment for cancer for several years.
Kirsten was a keen environmentalist and her practical activities were very consistent with those values. She was the prime mover behind the ReLEAF initiative that has seen the planting of many dozens of tree saplings and hedges in Haddenham in the last few years. With husband Tim she was active in setting up and providing refreshments for the Repair Cafe, with the intention of reducing the likelihood of broken items ending up in landfill. Again with Tim, Kirsten maintained two allotments and kept chickens as a means of providing local food and hence doing her bit for self-sufficiency. She also liked to cycle and walk in the village rather than use motorised transport whenever possible.
Kirsten was a valued member of the Witchert Chorale, adding her fine voice to this much respected ensemble and playing an active part in many concerts both locally and abroad.
Many attendees of Haddenham Beer Festivals will have had a pint drawn for them by Kirsten, at which she was an enthusiastic volunteer.
Perhaps her most significant contribution to the life of the community was as a member of St Mary's Church. Kirsten was a deeply committed Christian and has lived a life utterly consistent with her Christian values, which informed everything described above.
She was instrumental, alongside Tim, in establishing the Cafe Plus+, an outreach to members of the local community who might not have regarded traditional church services as an attractive option. CafePlus+ operated in the village hall once a month for over 10 years, and offered all-comers great coffee, a free breakfast and relaxed company.
She has been loved and appreciated by a great many here in Haddenham, and will be so sadly missed.
We extend our sincere condolences to her husband Tim, her sons Sam, Joe and Benjie, mother Ann and her siblings, Peter and Rachel.
Memorial Service
Amemorial service will be held on Monday 11th November at 2:30pm in St Mary's Church, Haddenham.
From Alan Thawley, ZeroCarbon Haddenham:
Having worked alongside Kirsten within Zero Carbon Haddenham over the years, I will miss her hugely, both personally and for the inspiration she provided with her positive, straightforward attitude and ability to get things done. As the driving force behind the ReLEAF tree planting project, amongst many other things, she has left a fantastic legacy that will be appreciated by the whole village far into the future.
From David Quinn & Colleagues, Witchert Chorale:
We would like to take a moment to remember our friend and founder member of the choir Kirsten who after a long illness, has sadly passed to a better place.
Kirsten's determination and good humour in the face of her extreme suffering was an inspiration to us all. She was a remarkable woman as mother, eco warrior, singer, person of faith and generally very organised and wonderful individual. We will miss her so much.
This coming Sunday the choir will join together in song to remember her at the start of our rehearsal. Kirsten was singing with us only a few weeks ago.
A few comments from the choir in her memory.....
"We miss her. The alto line will never be the same."
"May she rest in peace and rise in glory. I knew her for so short a time but she constantly lived out a graceful positivity and kindness."
"Kirsten always glowed with such beauty. We'll miss her terribly"
Our thoughts are with all her family at this sad time, particularly her husband Tim and mother Ann Warris who have always been amongst the keenest supporters of the choir over the years.
