Everyone at Bletsoes was deeply saddened to hear the news that our friend and colleague Lou Groenland had passed away during the early hours of Wednesday 15 October 2025.  Lou joined the firm in August 2022 to deal with our market accounts and I know that I speak for everyone in the team when I say that we all felt very privileged to meet and work with somebody who was so positive, smiley, courteous and conscientious.  I am not sure if she knew it, but her nickname within the office was “Lovely Lou”.

Lou took part in our wine tasting evening in the office garden in July of this year, at which time none of us were aware of what was going to happen over the coming weeks.  Everyone here has been stunned by what has happened and how quickly things have moved on.  We can only imagine how devastated Lou’s family must be, particularly her sons George and William, who Lou spoke about so fondly, whenever she mentioned them.

I understand that Lou began her working life in Kettering Market and she worked for Berrys throughout most of her life.  We can only hope that her return to the livestock market world in Thrapston, just over 3 years ago, was something which she enjoyed.  We certainly enjoyed getting to know and working with Lou.  Our thoughts are with her family. 

Alistair Brodie