Anne Talbot (1 Dec 1921 - 19 Apr 2017)

In loving memory of Anne Talbot who sadly passed away on 19th April 2017
Mum was born in Gartmore, Perthshire to farming stock. She was still quite young when the family moved to Renfrew to work for Lord Blythswood on his estate. She had fond memories of her life there and would often recall the excitement of getting the Clydesdale plough horses ready for the local shows, her job was to polish the harness brass, and the pride she felt if they won.
Mum finished her schooling and started work as a comptometer operator; her brother meanwhile had qualified as a draughtsman and was playing football for Partick Thistle. He later went on to represent Scotland and Mum was proud of his achievements.
When she was 21 she enlisted in the Army and was posted to Kent. Despite the obvious dangers, she enjoyed her time in the Army where she was promoted to Sergeant. At the end of the war, she did consider a military career but instead joined the Civil Service and was posted out to Germany. This was a bold decision for a single woman to make which took significant courage but she soon made friends and settled in. She made the most of all opportunities offered, learning to ski, shoot and ride the horses belonging to the Household Cavalry who were stationed there.
She met my Dad, Norman Talbot who was also based n Germany working for the YMCA and they married in August 1952 with me, their only child arriving in 1955.. I was born earlier than expected on Christmas Day and always said that Mum never forgave me for making her miss her Christmas dinner!
In 1967 we returned to the UK, settling in Barnet. Dad was still working for the YM HQ in London. Mum set about finding a job and started working in motor insurance, rising to the position of section leader. She remained with the same company until retirement.
Once retired she again made the most of opportunities taking classes in calligraphy and drawing becoming quite proficient at both.
By this time she had two Grandsons, Andrew and Richard, who would go to stay in Barnet during the school holidays. They absolutely loved it there as the whole week was geared to them. She took them to museums and the zoo in London, to Toys'r'us and to the local swimming pool and petting farm. They were never impressed to get back to the normal routine at home!
Sadly we lost Dad suddenly in 1996 but Mum faced the future with her usual stoic resolve; she ensured she went out each day to keep busy, largely relying on herself to move forward but she did also have support from some very good neighbours. It was at this time that her relationship with Richard, her youngest Grandson became so important to her as he would ring her every day, maybe only for a few minutes but as Mum said, she always knew that she would speak to someone every day. She called him her lifeline.
As Mum got older she became less mobile and was dependent on carers and being some distance from the family was not getting the visits she needed so at the age of 92 she moved into a retirement apartment at Giffords Court, Melksham. This enabled us to visit frequently and to take her out and about. Supported by the excellent caring team from Home Instead, she had a happy couple of years until diagnosed with lung cancer and 24 hour care required. She moved into the Old Priory in Broughton Gifford where she remained until the end. The staff there were wonderful with her, sometimes she could be difficult, the stubborn streak still there, but they were so patient and caring I could not have asked for more.
She has always encouraged me to set goals, strive to achieve them and not to consider being female a barrier.....probably her fault I ended up the boss of 200 truck drivers!. She was supportive of her family at all times providing sound advice and where necessary financial help
We will all miss her terribly but she has left us with a vast store of memories which we will hold in our hearts always
RIP Mum