Much-loved secretary of the European Council of Spatial Planners whose enthusiasm and knowledge helped to promote the art and science of spatial planning across Europe
Judith Eversley, who has died aged 72, was the secretary of the European Council of Spatial Planners (ECTP-CEU) for 21 years from 1992 to 2013. She was much loved and respected by the many planners who worked with her. It is acknowledged that she was much more than a secretary. She established continuity and stability for the ECTP-CEU, and as a result, helped to realise many of the initiatives that made the organisation successful. Her talent and skills in a wide range of languages ensured that planners in such a diverse set of countries across Europe were warmly welcomed. Judith developed a deep knowledge about European planning and the many associations, keeping immaculate records and building a tremendous portfolio of everything to do with planning and planners in Europe. In her work, she was enthusiastic, energetic, knowledgeable, helpful and efficient. She was an enabler who could make things happen, partly through her warm consideration of others for whom she always wished well.
Judith was the daughter of David Eversley, the renowned academic who became chief planner at the Greater London Council. She qualified as an economist with languages (French and German), which came in very useful for her work with ECTP-CEU. In 1992, Judith joined the staff of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) as the International Affairs Officer. The RTPI provided the secretariat for the ECTP-CEU, a role which Judith took on with great enthusiasm, having gained experience in international and EEC/EU matters in research projects in economics at the University of Bath and University of Newcastle, and at a branch of the National Consumer Council promoting consumer interests in proposed EU legislation on product and food standards. Immediately before she joined the RTPI Judith ran the Bath European Enquiry Service, helping local businesses to prepare for trading in the new European single market.
Planners in Europe have very fond memories of Judith for her kindness, patience and fairness. At moments of difficult discussions when emotions rose, she quietly referred to her background as a Quaker to speak some wise words to calm the atmosphere. She showed great dedication, professionalism, competence and co-operation that went far beyond her official responsibilities. She was adored by the ECTP-CEU’s international collaborators, as she was funny, kind, immensely intelligent, and a real asset to the international organisation.
After Judith retired from the RTPI and ECTP-CEU, she took on a job with the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, working on their Maintenance Cooperatives Project. Using her diplomatic skills, she found herself encouraging local volunteers to look after their village churches all over Somerset and Dorset in England. With the skills honed during her work in Europe, she brought her kindness and powers of persuasion to the job, ensuring that coffee and home-made cake played a part in energising local enthusiasts to participate in this important work. To so many she was a good friend, and she will be remembered forever in the hearts of the planning community of Europe.
Judith is survived by her partner Simon Baker and their children Matthew and Laura Baker.
Judith Eversley, born 24 July 1951, died 21 June 2024
