Ethel Pearl Birch (1 Dec 1920 - 19 May 2017)

In loving memory of Ethel Pearl Birch who sadly passed away on 19th May 2017

Pearl Pepper was born on 1 December 1920 in Melton Mowbray where she lived all of her life, first in George Street, then King's Road and finally Bowley Avenue. Together with her brother Richard (Dick), who was born 5 years later, they had a close and loving family. In fact her whole life was all about family, loyalty, devotion, loving and caring. She was never a leader, but she was always an enthusiastic follower.

Pearl had a busy and happy childhood. Her father taught her to swim in a nearby river and she took part in swimming competitions. She had Scottish Dancing lessons and occasionally performed in concerts in full Scottish costume. She was a Sunday School teacher at St Mary's and also had piano lessons for seven years, becoming a competent pianist, something she never forgot.

Pearl left school at age 15 and went to work at Paton and Baldwins, operating a wool machine. It was there that she met a boy called Doug Birch, then aged 17, who had just started with the maintenance team. Their meeting was aided and abetted by Uncle Sid who worked in the boiler room. Their courtship had to be put on hold a couple of years later when Doug went off to fight in World War II, was captured and then spent the next five years in a PoW camp in Poland. During the war Pearl worked in the Fleet Air Arm offices and they corresponded by letter and exchanged photographs. Near the end of the war Doug proposed by letter and Pearl went with Doug's mother to buy an engagement ring. They were married on 16 June 1945 and their happy marriage lasted for getting on for 70 years.

Colin was born in 1947 and Richard 5 years later. In 1949 Mum & Dad had a house built in Bowley Avenue, close to Mum's parents, and they stayed there for nearly all of their married life. Mum spent her time looking after the house, garden and the family. Mum and Dad most enjoyed family get-togethers and loved seeing their grand-children, Emma, Paul, Karen, James and Keith.

In addition to making many of her own clothes, Mum was also an accomplished knitter, and always ensured that the grandchildren were all kitted out in jumpers, scarves, gloves and bobble hats. She also knitted tea cosies which cousin Alan sold on his stall in Melton Market. There must be many homes in Melton that have one of Mum's tea cosies - although, actually, most people wore them as hats.

A few fond memories:

- Mum absolutely hated being called Ethel although it was her first name - she blamed her mother for that
- Camping holidays in Ingoldmells in the 1950s with Tom and Eileen, Sid and Doll and Auntie Doris and their families
- Mum and Dad hosting Terry and the Strangers for band practices which made the house shake with sounds of the Shadows and the Beatles
- Entertaining Uncle Charles, Auntie Olive, Nan and Pop, every Sunday with the men playing snooker in the front room
- Mum telling Richard that she wanted "no hanky-panky and two to a tent" just before Richard and Wendy set off with another couple to the Isle of Wight Pop Festival in 1970. Richard reassured her that there certainly would be two to a tent.
- The grandchildren remembering Gran putting sugar on their bananas and tomatoes.

In later years Mum's brother Richard and wife Margaret, Dick and Marg as they knew them, invited Mum & Dad on many European holidays which they loved. Mum even flew for the first time, although it was 50:50 until they actually got her aboard the plane. Also in retirement she rediscovered her love of playing the piano and spent an hour a day playing her keyboard.

Mum's arthritis eventually meant that Mum and Dad were unable to travel far, and later still she suffered with Alzheimer's. Three years ago they both moved into Egerton Lodge Residential Home, but Dad died shortly afterwards. Mum spent a lot of the time confused but she knew the wonderful staff there and they made sure that she was safe and well cared for. Now she can rest in peace with no more confusion and be reunited with Dad.