Death of leading BECTU member

Hair and make-up artist Helene Bevan has died.

The long-standing member of the union's National Executive passed away unexpectedly in hospital following a heart operation aged 84.

Helene will be fondly remembered by members of all the unions that today constitute BECTU, and by many perfomers too. Her union activities go back many years, during which she was an active representative of hair and make-up members, as well as serving on the union's National Executive Committee.

Helene was always concerned for the future of the film industry and those who worked in it, and frequently gave lectures on her craft in education colleges.

Working closely with star performers, she was acutely aware that high technical standards and health and safety were inextricable, and constantly urged the union to be active in the defence of both. This was a key feature of her NEC election addresses which ensured her repeated re-election.

Funeral arrangements will be published on this web page once they have been finalised.