Tributes to former Devizes librarian Dorothy Robertson

Dorothy Robertson, who died on September 6, was a much-loved figure in Devizes for nearly a century.

She impacted the lives of many through her work at the town’s library and the board of governors for Devizes School.

Dorothy served Devizes Library for 25 years, before finally retiring in 1984.

Her daughter Catherine Hartz told this paper that, during that time, she went out of her way to give local children the best opportunities possible in life.

She said: “She was always very keen on fairness and would treat everybody the same and want them all to have the same access.

“She believed the library service should be accessible to everybody no matter their background and that’s how she lived every part of her life, she was inclusive and wanted to treat everyone the same.

“Whether they need extra learning support or whatever else it was, she wanted all children to have the same type of education.”

Dorothy Robertson, Devizes (Image: Catherine Hartz)Dorothy, who grew up in Lacock, first came to Devizes as a schoolgirl when she attended the now closed Parnella House.

During her time in the town, she became a fixture of many local groups and associations including the Devizes Tourist Board, the Devizes Festival, the Wiltshire Archaeological Society and the Twinning Association.

During this period, she was an active campaigner to improve the lives of those around her and ensure residents had their voices heard in the local community.

This included a successful campaign to have a Devizes indoor pool built many years ago, which saw her meet the Queen during the grand opening.

In her later years she was a persistent champion of rural bus services and campaigned to ensure they were not cut.

Catherine believes this passion was encouraged by the fact her mother was registered blind 20 years ago, but was determined not to be held back by not being able to drive.

Outside of Devizes, Dorothy travelled for much of her 39-year retirement, visiting Europe, Asia, the USA and Australia among others.

Both Dorothy’s family and the wider Devizes area are left with fond memories of a “remarkable” woman.

“The kind of comments I’ve had from people who remember her include remarkable, resilient and caring”, added Catherine.

As well as her daughter Catherine, Dorothy leaves behind three grandchildren, Richard, William and Phoebe.

Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, September 27, at St Andrew's Church in Etchilhampton.