Edwina Olwyn Coven, CBE, JP, DL (1921-2005)
Michael Rhodes
London, from 1981, died at Eastbourne, 15 December, 2005, at the age of
84.
She was born Edwina Instone, 23 Oct, 1921, daughter of Sir Samuel
Instone, DL, by his wife Alice, and was educated at Queen's College,
London and St Winifred's, Ramsgate; in Paris, and at the Marlborough
Gate Secretarial College, London (1st Class Business Diploma).
Career:-->volunteered for military service, Private ATS; commissioned
into the ATS (subsequently WRAC); Army Interpreter (French); served in
UK and overseas in staff appointments; Plans and Policy Division,
Western Union Defence Organisation, and NATO, Directorate Manpower
Planning (War Office) 1942-56; was children's writer with Fleetway
Publications; General Features Writer with the National Magazine Co.,
Reporter, BBC Woman's Hour; Member, Advisory Council, Radio London
(BBC) 1978-81, Director 1985-93, Deputy Chairman 1990-93 TV and
Chairman, Davbro Chemists, 1967-71; stores consultant on promotions and
fashion, 1960-77; Member, Women's Advisory Committee (Clothing and
Foot-wear Sub-Committee) BSI, 1971-73; Caseworker, Soldiers', Sailors',
and Airmen's Association, 1995-99; JP Inner London, North Westminster,
1965-72 (Deputy Chairman 1971-72); JP City of London Commission,
1969-88; Deputy Lieutenant for Greater London; Chairman, City of London
Probation and After-Care Committee, 1971-77; Chairman, City of London
Police Committee, 1984-87 (Deputy Chairman 1983-84); Member of the
Police Committee, AMA, 1985-97; Chief Commoner, City of London,
1987-88, an Alderman; a Freeman of the City of London; Member of the
Council of the WRAC Association, 1973-90 (Vice-President 1984-88, and
Vice-Chairman, 1985-89), &c.
She was appointed CBE in 1988.
She married in 1951, Frank Coven, who died in 2001.
The funeral took place at Willesden Jewish Cemetery, Beaconsfield Road,
22 Dec, 2005.
Source: The Times
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