Liz Rorison's funeral was earlier this week. I am very sad to learn of her death. I got to know Liz when she was a studio manager with the BBC working at party conference outside broadcasts. I was then a rookie political correspondent. She was always friendly and supportive, had plenty of time and encouragement for the World Service - including all those who went from the language services - and was a model of generosity, good cheer and professionalism.
She was also, I discovered, the mainstay of the Liberal Democrats Glee Club - organising, cajoling, and playing the piano into the early hours and beyond at what was, without question, the best political sing-song around. She had come across the party through song - the story is recounted here in a fond obituary - and the energy and enthusiasm of her and her colleagues - above all, the rendition of the old Liberal anthem the Land Song - aroused my interest in the tradition of British political song.
I last saw Liz a year or two ago. We ate at a Turkish restaurant near her home in Highbury. She was in poor health, but undaunted - and determined to give me every help she could in tracing the history of the Land Song, and its resurrection from the 1970s after decades in the doldrums. She followed up with letters and phone calls, and suggestions for old-timers to talk to.
Without her, I might never have come across the Land Song, or found out so much about its history. But above all, its her warmth, kindness and enthusiasm that I will remember.
She was also, I discovered, the mainstay of the Liberal Democrats Glee Club - organising, cajoling, and playing the piano into the early hours and beyond at what was, without question, the best political sing-song around. She had come across the party through song - the story is recounted here in a fond obituary - and the energy and enthusiasm of her and her colleagues - above all, the rendition of the old Liberal anthem the Land Song - aroused my interest in the tradition of British political song.
I last saw Liz a year or two ago. We ate at a Turkish restaurant near her home in Highbury. She was in poor health, but undaunted - and determined to give me every help she could in tracing the history of the Land Song, and its resurrection from the 1970s after decades in the doldrums. She followed up with letters and phone calls, and suggestions for old-timers to talk to.
Without her, I might never have come across the Land Song, or found out so much about its history. But above all, its her warmth, kindness and enthusiasm that I will remember.
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