I was very sorry to hear this news recently. Both Robin and Eve were dear friends of my mum, Annette Hendry and it is with much sadness, but great memories of their friendship and warmth, that I will remember both of them fondly. Neill Hendry

My memories of Aunt Eve and Uncle Robin were of wonderfully positive and joyful people. They delighted in good company and in others’ successes, big and small. At family gatherings I remember their genuine interest in what I was up to, the twinkle in their eyes as they peppered me with questions, their encouraging smiles, and most of all their laughter, always just a breath away. Theirs was a celebration of life. After learning that Eve had died, I wished I had known her better, that I had reached out. I resolved to visit with Robin on my next trip back to England… I now live in Philadelphia. If any first cousins, once removed or twice removed, find yourselves in this neck of the woods it would be lovely to see you and to get to know you better. My heartfelt condolences to all the family, Mark Woodward

The passing of both Eve and Robin came as a huge shock. In a normal year we would have touched base with them during our annual visit to Reading but this year that was not to be. Always they would say 'come and stay with us when you're down in Reading' which we did on numerous occasions - and we were always so glad that we did. We knew that we would be welcome and that 'Bentham hospitality' and good conversation was guaranteed. A more open couple we have rarely encountered. Likewise, in our seemingly never-ending election battles, their commitment, each in their different way, never faltered. In short, for Ian they were a linchpin of our electoral success for which I shall be forever grateful. For the family, this double hammer blow must be numbing but be assured - they made a real difference.

I am extremely fortunate to have known Eve and Robin. They were blessed with a long, loving and joyous marriage. Their passing is a great loss but our memories, fondness and affection for them will continue to live in our hearts and minds. My condolences and sympathy goes out to their loving family. Sadly and lovingly, Brendan xxx.

To Lucy, Rachel, Charlotte and James and families. I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Eve and then Robin from Lucy. I have such fond memories of the time I spent with your family away back in 1975. Eve always touched base at Christmas And it was wonderful to be able to have some time with Eve and Robin when I was in England in 2017. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Helen Simpson

I am beyond devastated for you all that you have lost both Eve & Robin within 10 days of each other. The only comfort is that they are together ❤ I wish I could be there to give you all healing hugs and some love during this horrible time. Will miss their fun and positive outlook on life. They were truly a remarkable couple whose love story started when they were so young xxx

{t is with immense sorrow that I learn that you have lost you dear wife Eve. I trust that you like me will be sustained for many years to come with the fond memories you will have of your dearest wife. Eve was a close friend to Stephanie me and my family and for ever will be remembered for the kindness and compassionate way she assisted me to overcome the difficult years I experienced. Without doubt Eve will be missed by us all and we are fortunate to have her as a true friend. Ronnie Thomas - neighbour.

I am so sad. I kept saying I would ring but was a bit afraid to be honest. I/ we are so upset. She was and is such a lovely friend to me. I will miss her so much although did not see her as much as would have liked. We will be thinking of Eve as I/we have since she left us all. She will always be remembered as a very lovely special person who I had known since I was 9. We had great times and holidays together. We met when we had both been sent out of our classrooms for being naughty. As if! Lovely memories. Love Janet and Richard - schoolfriend

I didn’t know Eve was ill. I would have called or sent cards, I loved her, and had so many fun times together with Eve , Carol and all Your wonderful parties. Bless you, take care of your self, I hope to see you in the New Year Affectionately Rosie Richardson

I am so sorry to hear about Eve. She shone always and was one of Life’s brightest Stars. She will be missed. Sending you love in this time of sorrow. Love Flora

We were very sorry to receive the sad news of Eve’s death. She was such a lively bubbly person. Our prayers and thoughts will be with you and your family, especially on the 16th. Our fondest wishes Ken and Madeliene

I'm remembering now the little wave from the boat as it passed the Connemara lawn, the raising of a glass that I could see (or imagine that I saw) from fifty yards away. I'm remembering the patient wit as I tried (and frequently failed) to moor my own St Osyth at Willow Brae, the water evenings when Eve's welcome was so warm to a new boy on the Warren, her offer of a glass of something Australian (assuredly a real one) and a share of your supper over the Bonsai garden, her wise support (as sometimes sharp as wisdom should be) both when i was very ill and when I had just ceased to be so. Condolence, my friend, late, I'm afraid, for the news came late. An unforgettable lady has gone. Love to you and all who loved her, Peter - neighbour

Jane Osborn - sister I write this with great sadness for Eve's death, and I am so sorry that I cannot be there and be with you at this really difficult time. Eve meant so much to me. Every time I went to Willowbrae, it felt like coming home. She taught me many things when I was growing up and I always wanted to be like her. She was not only a wonderful sister, but she was also my best friend, and like you all, I miss her terribly already. You are all in my thoughts, With all my love Jane.

We can't begin to say how very sad we are for your losing Eve. You must be devastated your 'Sole Mate' after so many years. She was an amazing lady to all that knew her. We will remember her for her fun, kindness and funky personality. Our love& condolences to you & your family. She will always be in our hearts. RosemarIe & David. Really sorry to hear that Dad. She was a true legend. Please pass on my love and condolences. Robin. That is sad news but I'm sure she would have died with few regrets. She was a bright spirit that burned bright. Mark.

We are so sorry to hear that Eve has died. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. She really was an inspirational woman who always had so much time for others. I will miss seeing her every Thursday morning but feel .lucky to have known her for 30 years. You have a wonderful supportive family to share your memories of a wonderful lady. Sending you all much love. Jan and Colin

I was so sorry to hear the sad news of Eve's death. Eve's sparkling personality will be remembered by all who were lucky enough to know her. Her quick wit and lively conversation ensured Eve was at the centre of many happy occasions. I was especially lucky to have met Eve when I moved here to The Warren. She has been a caring and loving friend to me. Please extend my condolences to all of your young. I shall be thinking of you all in your time of loss. Bron - neighbour.

It is with a huge sense of loss thar I write to you. I remember vividly when I first met you both all those years ago & how Eve welcomed me with such love into your family. I have so many wonderful memories of our times together - family gatherings, parties & memorable trips on the river, not forgetting an obligatory Pimms! I will remember Eve for her beauty, her sense of fun and her warmth. She was indeed much more than a sister-in-law to me. I will miss her enormously & remember her with admiration and gratitude. Fond love, Rose - sister-in-law.

We just wanted to say how dreadfully sorry we are to have heard of Eve's very sad passing. You and her were so welcoming of us to The Warren 20 years ago. You made us feel a part of the community right from the beginning. We will treasure our memories of Eve as a funding, generous and warm person, always thinking of others. She will be very sadly missed. She certainly was one of a kind. Take care, with fondest regards. Sally & Sald - neighbours..

I was so sad to hear the news about Eve from my dearest father. Even though I talk to him every week, he had neglected to tell me anything was wrong. I do hope that you, and the family are doing OK under the circumstances. Eve was a one off. The first woman to get me drunk on Pimms! What more could you ask of your official guardian. The closest thing I ever got to a godmother! Much love to you all. Tim Williams.

Thank you for letting me know about Eve dying on Monday. I hadn't realised she had been so ill. I always enjoyed her company and am sorry I've not been to visit over the last few years. My condolences to you and your family. With love & best wishes. Kate Cochrane - cousin

Cousin Eve was indeed a vivacious and feisty lady whose joie de vivre and humour, leap from the photographs eg. of the young couple at Henley and of Lieutenant Bentham and his better half all at sea while Jeremy stands upright nearby with a big grin on his face. Her example lives on. Robert, Miriam, Freddie, Bertie, Heidi, Owen, Rhys and Philip Jackson.

Thank you for telling me this news. I am so so sad as I have known Eve for many years and she has always been incredibly reliable and real fun to read with. I suspected that she was struggling with her health over the past couple of years but didn’t realise the extent. I am going to share this news now with the committee of RTN (Reading Talking Newspaper). Please take care of yourself. There are no words to describe how you feel. I know this because Keith died in November 2015. His passing took my breath away and I know you will be feeling the same. Best wishes, Pam Downing

Steve told me of your loss. I’m so sorry, she was a great lady and a good friend. I hope you are well, and life is being good to you. Please pass my condolences to your family. Keep well, your very old friend, Peter Highfield.

I am so sad to receive this news and I am sorry for your loss. Although we are so far away from each other I think about you and Eve often. I was cutting the lawn the other day and had a flash back to when you used cut roads in the lawn for James and I to drive our trucks on while you were cutting the lawn…fond memories. Eve was an amazing person and I only have positive thoughts when I think of her. I am sure mom will enjoy Eve’s company. Please pass on my thoughts and prayers to the Bentham clan. I hope you are well and take care. Regards, Steve Highfield

I am so sorry to hear about Eve. She shone always and was one of Life’s brightest Stars. She will be missed. Sending you love in this time of sorrow. Love Flora

Sarah and I are very sorry to hear about Eve. We will always think of her as a kind and friendly person., full of laughter and warmth. I have always appreciated the kindness she extended to my mother (Stephanie) during all her final months - it was thoughtful and lovely. Our thoughts are with you. Rod and Sarah Thomas

Thank you for letting us know so soon about Eve's passing/ We knew that she was very unwell but it has still come as a terrible shock. The Warren will be a different place without her - she embraced everyone. Your happy marriage was an example to all and you will miss her so much. However, you have so many happy memories and we hope that they will sustain you. With our love and condolences. Vera & Rob - neighbours

We are very saddened by the news of Eve's death. We admired her very much. She was a very forthright lady who brought up a very interesting and talented family of four children who have themselves contributed to the success in life of other people - quite an achievement in these days of triviality and fleeting celebrity. She will be greatly missed. Aunt Valerie and family

Dear Eve. We have been friends for sixty years going back to our Tylers Green days. Our first neighbours. We've all criss-crossed the world but kept in touch and you were always there. Remarkable and wonderful years. Rosemary

Richard & Kay - neighbours Kay and I were so sad to hear that Eve has passed away, and our thoughts are with you at this time of sad loss. Eve was a lovely lady, so thoughtful a nd caring of others, particularly those less fortunate than most. I will always remember those lovely garden parties that you and Eve used to have in your garden, especially the one held to commemorate VJ day. With the Covid 19 restrictions it will be impossiblle to attend Eve's funeral, but if we know the time and date, Kay and I will raise a glass of red wine to the memory of dear Eve.

Rodney & Mary - LibDem friends, We only heard a couple off weeks ago Eve was ill. My memory of her will always be, sitting in her chair by garden and fiver window, asking me if I would like a tea. And of course being our hostess at the LibDem BBQs.

John &Lindi - neighbours We are both very sad to have your news of Eve's passing - she was such a brilliant woman and will be much missed ...

Terry & Irina- neighbours We were very sad when we heard about Eve. She was a very kind, funny and inspirational person who will be missed greatly.

Elisa & Kevin Miles - The Warren and District Residents Association Both Kevin and I were deeply saddened to hear of Eve-s passing. I wiill miss her sharp wit and humour - and her 'take no prisoners' attitude. She was also kind and caring as well; not a combination you find often, but one that made a woman to be loved and admired. Please know that Kevin and I are here for you - anything you may need help with or just a coffee and a chat - we are always available.

Angie & John Hicks - neighbours & College of Integrated Chinese Medicine Eve was a governor for several years. Were thinking of you at this sad time. Were so sorry to hear about Eve's death - we knew she had been ill, but hadn't realised how far it had progressed. She was so helpful to us at the College, we will always appreciate that & her help as a Governor. Our hearts go out to all of your family.

Abi Donald - niece I am so sorry. Eve meant the world to me and I know how devastated you must all be. She had such an influence on my life growing up and I will always remember her further energetic force that she was. As she said the last time I saw her: "as long as I'm not boring", she was never that. My one gr eat sadness is that I never got to the bottom of why Mum distanced herself from their relationship, I tried but never resolved it. I know how much this upset Eve and I'm so sorry for that, at least Eve and I talked about it even if we couldn't do zanything. I hope she knew how much we all loved her. She was a wonderful aunt, I have so many amazing memories, I will miss her enormously. My heart goes out to you all. With all my love. Abi xxx.

Emily Stewart (Bullard) - schoolfriend I was very sad to hear that Eve had died. I had no idea that she had been ill. I know how bereft you must feel and send you all my sympathy. Eve was very precious to me zas she was my first friend at LEHS when we were about 12 years old! She would invite me to Hampton Vicarage which I thought was absolutely perfect! I loved all her family as well. I know that you must have suffered through Eve's illness and I hope that you are looking after your own health. If there is anything I can do please let me know. With love from Emily.

Thank you for setting up this memorial to Eve. We hope that you find it a positive experience developing the site and that it becomes a place of comfort and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.

I am I and you are you, whatever we were to each other that we still are. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? Life means all that it ever meant, it is the same as it ever was.