A 78-year-old Borehamwood housewife who spent her life helping disabled people died peacefully earlier this month.

Anne Bence, from Gateshead Road, founded the Borehamwood Otters Swimming Club for disabled people, the Red Rose Ringers, a group of disabled bell ringers, and a local committee to ensure the welfare of disabled people.

Born in 1923, Mrs Bence joined the Women's Royal Air Force during World War Two as part of a barrage balloon unit in Wales.

Later she carried out secret work at Bletchley Park, helping to decode and interpret enemy radio transmissions. She was also stationed at Churchill's War Rooms, translating German Morse code.

After the war she married Syd and the couple moved Borehamwood where they had two children. Mrs Bence took up voluntary work, and helped the Royal British Legion, Cooperative Women's Guild, RSPB and Mencap to raise funds and organise activities.

She was also a member of the management committee at Parkside School, and became friends with former headteacher Mary Mackay.

Mrs Bence contracted cancer and, after a short illness, died peacefully on Tuesday, June 11, leaving behind her two sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A service will be held at Garston Crematorium near Watford on Friday, June 21, at 11.20am.

Friends are asked to make donations to Peace Hospice in Watford instead of sending flowers.

A memorial service will be held at 3pm at St Michael and All Angels Church in Gateshead Road on Thursday, June 27.

To attend please telephone 020 8953 5231.

June 19, 2002 13:00