Lesley Ridout

by Anne Gillham

Lesley Ridout was born in Zimbabwe. She met Anthroposophy at a very young age though Mrs Joan King. Married to Geoff (1951-2008) they moved to Johannesburg in 1978 with children Dorianne (1973-1999) and second born Anton. The children attended the Waldorf School and were part of The Christian Community from that time. Neville Adams was the Priest that met them on arrival. They renewed their relationship with Heinz Maurier who had visited Zimbabwe and was much loved by Lesley and Geoff. The family moved to Pretoria in 1981. Chris was born and was baptized and confirmed in our church with Reingard travelling to Pretoria to prepare him for his Confirmation. Johan Angelo arrived to complete their family.
​
As a family in 1982, they travelled to Europe, expressly to visit the Goetheanum and still remember the experience of attending The Christian Community service in Stuttgart. Geoff was involved early on with the architect from Stuttgart who designed our church and he also made the Alter Candle Sticks. Lesley, with a degree in Fine Arts at UNISA, exhibited her paintings in Harare and Pretoria. She was also an opera singer and music was very much part of her younger life. Following Geoff’s passing Lesley moved to a retirement Home. Here she is very much loved and part of the community there. Her sons are all now married, and Lesley has two granddaughters and three grandsons. All live in Pretoria close to her.

---