Splott woke today to the terribly sad news that much loved and respected local councillor, Jane Henshaw, passed away on the weekend.
Jane, originally from North Wales, worked for CAB as a welfare rights specialist, debt counsellor and tutor and also worked in Adult Education teaching Women’s History and Assertiveness Training. For most of her working life in North Wales, Jane was an English teacher. In 2014, she moved to Cardiff to be close to her children and grandchildren, setting up an acupuncture practice.
In 2017, Jane was elected as a local councillor for Splott and had represented the ward in which she lived ever since. In May of this year, Jane was elected as the Lord Mayor of Cardiff and Chair of Cardiff Council and chose Cardiff Foodbank as her nominated charity, saying,
“Through my work on the Council, I have seen at first hand the great work the staff and the volunteers at the charity do, how they are changing lives in these difficult times and helping people out of poverty. It is a sad fact of life today that they exist at all, of course, but I am determined to help Cardiff Food Bank in any way I can this year.”
Cllr Henshaw leaves behind her partner Bill, four children and five grandchildren. Her daughter, Angharad Anderson, supported her as the Lady Mayoress.
As a mark of respect, flags will fly at half-mast from council buildings across Cardiff, as the city marks her passing.
On hearing the news, friends, colleagues and community organisations paid tribute to Councillor Henshaw, who was incredibly well regarded and loved by many:
Council Leader, Cllr Huw Thomas, expressed his deep sorrow, saying,
“The passing of Cllr Jane Henshaw is a profound loss for Cardiff. She was a tireless advocate for our city and its residents, always striving to make Cardiff a better place for everyone. Her dedication to public service will not be forgotten, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.”
In a more personal post on X, Cllr Thomas expressed his and fellow councillor, Ed Stubbs’, heartbreak at losing Jane as a colleague and friend:
Keep Splott Tidy posted their shock and sadness at hearing the news:
Jane attended the very first Keep Splott Tidy litter pick in August 2016 and was often seen supporting the local voluntary group, attending litter picks and chatting with residents.
Splott-based Oasis Cardiff, a charity to support refugees and asylum seekers, posted on X:
We are very saddened to hear about the passing of @msjanehenshaw, a great supporter of our work. Our deepest sympathies to Cllr Jane Henshaw’s family and friends.
Cardiff Foodbank, who are based in Splott, posted:
“We are so sad to hear this. Lord Mayor, Cllr Henshaw, was a committed supporter of our work at Cardiff Foodbank. Our deepest condolences to Cllr Jane Henshaw’s family and friends, from the team at Cardiff Foodbank”
Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr Helen Lloyd Jones, shared her condolences, saying,
“Jane was a beacon of hope and kindness in our community. Her smile was contagious and lit up the lives of all who met her. Her commitment to helping those in need was truly inspiring. She had a unique ability to connect with people and make them feel valued. She was proud to be Lord Mayor of Cardiff and of the Lord Mayor’s Own Scout Troop. We will miss her.”
Chief Executive, Paul Orders, also paid tribute, stating,
“Cllr Henshaw’s kindness, grace and desire to help those in need left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She was a source of compassion to so many. The Lord Mayor’s empathy and support for staff were second to none. Our thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.”
Cllr Henshaw was interviewed by Inksplott in the run-up to the local councillor elections in 2017 and you can read her interview here.
On a personal note, I am incredibly sad that I will no longer see Jane’s smile on bumping into her at a community event, or get to chat to her about local issues at her regular appearances at Keep Splott Tidy litter picks. She was a gracious lady, a dedicated public servant and a considerate and kind person with a big heart. I’m heartbroken for her family and friends and mourn the loss of such a wonderful champion for Splott.
Jane’s family wishes to thank all the staff at The University Hospital of Wales, Velindre Cancer Centre and Marie Curie Hospice for their support, care and kindness.