Shirley Hadingham (12 May 1936 - 14 Sep 2022)

In loving memory of Shirley Hadingham who sadly passed away on 14th September 2022

Eulogy

We gather here today to celebrate the life of my wonderful Grandmother, Shirley Hadingham. Wife to my late grandfather Neville and mother to Richard, Robert, John & James and grandmother to Lucy, Jack and Andrew too.

Born to Evelyn Dinah Girling and Robert Woodruffe Daniel Girling or Danny as everyone knew him, on the 12th May 1936 at Poplar Farm in Bedfield near Framlingham.

Nanna was the youngest of four sisters, Peggy, Pat, Pam, Val and she also had one brother called Frederick.

Growing up on the family farm during the Second World War, Nanna had many tales of the formations of planes flying above and listening to the doodlebugs as they roared overhead. On one occasion the engine on one cut out and Nanna told us how she could remember soil blasting into the air as it crashed and exploded nearby.

She attended the village school in Bedfield and then later on to secondary school in Ipswich. After leaving school, Nanna worked for Clarkes at Framlingham as a short-hand typist. She cycled to work every day from Bedfield, and apparently used to read a book whilst doing so. This is one of the earliest stories I can remember Nanna telling me.

Nanna and Grandad met at the Wilby dance, where he had cycled to from Wortwell. Whilst courting, Grandad would cycle to Bedfield to see Nanna several times a week. He must have been very keen because this journey is roughly a 36 mile round trip!

They wed April 1958 and were married for 58 happy years. They honeymooned in Cornwall and Nanna often spoke about fond memories in Penzance. In fact, this was probably the last holiday for many years as farming life at Wortwell Hall and raising four bouncing baby boys kept them very busy. Nanna also spent a lot of time with us grandchildren - looking after us, spoiling us rotten but most importantly feeding us. I don't think anyone ever left Nanna's house with an empty stomach or with extra food to take home. I have many happy memories of playing outside at Wortwell Hall with my lovely cousins and the dogs whilst Nanna looked after us. We were so lucky.

After retiring in 2006, they moved to the bungalow on the High Road, Wortwell. Nanna and Grandad then had the chance for well-deserved numerous trips and holidays with friends and family, although Nanna would always worry about them beforehand.

Grandad passed away in April 2017, and Nanna remained at the Bungalow spending 5 further years here, however, we know always with a void in her heart.

Nanna, you were the kindest, warmest and most caring lady. Finally reunited with your soulmate, we will miss you forever.