Published: 13 July, 2012

• I WAS most interested to learn of Eda Leech’s proposal for a plaque to honour the beautiful and talented actress, Jean Simmons, a former Crouch Hill resident (Plaque plea ‘for my best friend, Jean Simmons’, June 29).

Coincidentally, while in London recently, I visited various places in Islington and Barnet with which Jean was associated in her youth, with a view to suggesting to the relevant councils that a suitable plaque, or plaques, be erected.

I must admit that I first admired the lovely Jean simply because she was gorgeous.

However, having viewed again several of her films which have appeared on DVD in recent years, I have come to appreciate what a truly gifted actress she was.

Who would have believed that a little lady from Crouch Hill, and later Cricklewood, would one day become a Hollywood star?

What I liked most about Jean was that, despite the many honours and awards she received, by all accounts this lovely lady forever remained sweet, gentle, unassuming and approachable.

Society photographer Terry O’Neill, who often pictured Jean in her heyday, remembered her as “a lovely, lovely, gentle lady”, while her first husband, Stewart Granger, recalled: “Everyone loved Jean.”

It would, therefore, be most fitting if the council could arrange to install a plaque in memory of this truly great Hollywood star.

Incidentally, various websites mention that Jean’s ashes were interred in Highgate Cemetery West, although, according to cemetery authorities, her grave there remains unmarked.

ROBERT D CAMPBELL
Paisley, Renfrewshire