Wivey remembers Jill

On Wednesday 6th May, several hundred people gathered in St Andrew’s church, Wivelsicombe to celebrate the life of former 10Radio presenter, Jill Berntsson.

Barry Witherden writes:–

We are sad to report the death of Jill Berntsson on the 22nd April.  Jill had been one of the first presenters of Continental Drift and was also a presenter of The Breakfast Show, often taking on extra stints when other presenters were unable to do the show from time to time.

Jill was a proud New Zealander but was also proud to be part of the Wiveliscombe community, and she did much to enrich the cultural and social life of the town, where she had lived since 1987. On several occasions she hosted events or exhibitions during Somerset Arts week and was a keen supporter of this festival, always visiting as many venues as she could and purchasing works by local artists who exhibited in the area.  I first met her in February 1998 when I was setting up a local writers group. She was a staunch supporter of the group from the start and from 2001 onwards we met at her house. Her poems were always a highlight of the meetings and although she was self-effacing where her poetry was concerned she had a vivid personal style that incorporated evocative imagery and which was especially effective when read aloud.

As well as being  a poet she had engaged in other artistic pursuits over the years, including painting, singing in choirs, and tapestry weaving, which she took up relatively recently. She also sometimes played the piano.

Over the years, in NZ and the UK, she had worked as a teacher, hospital administrator and a member of the staff of a local residential home for people with complex needs. Despite stressful and taxing work she always welcomed visitors for a chat and a cup of tea and her home was something of an open house for her many friends.

In late summer 2024 she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and given a prognosis of about 4 months. She faced this situation with courage, stoicism and determination, outlasting the doctors’ forecast and (very important to her) living long enough to see the birth of her grandson, Leonard. She died at home on 22nd April after spending some time in St. Margaret’s Hospice and, on 6th May, her funeral was held at St. Andrew’s Church, Wiveliscombe, attended by many of the people who knew her as a good friend and a good neighbour. The service incorporated some of her poems, musical performances by some friends and her son Duncan, and, particularly moving, wind chimes played by Léonard. There was a retiring collection for the hospice, where she had received excellent care.

Our thoughts are with her friends and family, particularly husband Alistair, son Duncan, daughter Annika and her husband Olivier.