My mum, my LOVELY mum
 
Did we realise when growing how very lucky we were, Richard and I?  Of course not, but later we really came to understand.
 
Poised and capable, a beacon of understated style, glamour, tall, long legs and high heels.  Calm and always that wonderful smile, kindness and sense of humour.  Growing up I loved trying on Mum’s clothes and particularly the shoes, gorgeous sixties pointed stilletos to click clack around in– I could not wait to grow up and wear them.
 
All my memories revolve around laughter, shopping and chatting – Mum excelled in chatting!!  On the landline in the hall when we were growing and later chatting to me on the phone pretty much every day.  We talked and shopped – Mum was my best friend, my confidant and my first port of call for all my news.
 
Our home reflected Mum’s personality, calm and relaxed with a thread of common sense and fun running through.  I have realised that Mum was a gentle teacher, guiding by her good example.  She was interested in all our friends and our life, whilst allowing us the freedom to make our own way.  A friend remembers she treated us as adults from a young age, with honesty and respect.  She had a very light touch.  
 
She loved working and seemed to pretty run the Tesco’s refrigeration department – loving the independence and rewards this provided.  Confident and capable she seemed ahead of her time!  Always busy but never frazzled.  Golf brought out a more competitive side and we do seem to have some rosebowls around.  She loved the honour of being Lady Captain, the friends she made and the times together. 
 
By all accounts Mum’s father was a lovely man – and I see this reflected totally in Richard.  We were so lucky to have had such wonderful parents and such a beautiful smiling Mum and Grandma…..