Pamela Clark (2 Mar 1933 - 31 May 2018)

Dear Mum, Your faith and kindness have always inspired both family and friends. Your approach to life was always with the intention of including anyone who was around or was in need. Your dedication and kindness to others was always consistent and appreciated ......invite and include was always your ethos.
You were always supportive of any changes being considered by those you loved, helping us through house moves, job changes and the many events in life that needed practical help. Everyone who knew you benefited from your generous spirit.
And most of all, you were never happier than with all your family around you for the legendary Sunday lunch and tea’s.
You will be sadly missed by all those who loved you and anyone you had contact with. You now reside with the Lord and are reunited with your beloved husband Adrian. God bless you for everything you did and achieved.
Your son in Law, Gary xx

My (Always-in-a-hurry) Mother

She was essentially a giver.
Anyone who knew her understood it was in her nature to give ...
If you ever said you really liked something - it was yours straight away. It was a gift to you.
Headscarves, houseplants or her own questionable art; bulbs emerging through moss - she only ever planted them up to give away.

She would say “If it doesn't hurt to give, it's really not a gift.”

And time too...

Time was something she gave with no pause or regret. She gave time without any hesitation. She was yours in the moment she engaged with you...

Without regard to what was possible, Mum promised “I can do” and actually did.
Looking after our children and others too, who often just turned up without any necessary explanation. Walter would be taken to the doctor, two dozen scotch eggs made, Philippa would just need a quick lift somewhere, little Harry would be taken a cake.

Someone on the edge of things would be invited....
always

Newcomers to the village would feel uneasy with her bright
“Hello - come to a coffee morning... Please meet my friends”
Could it be the village idiot or some sly tupperware trick.

Actually no.
Mum just wanted to be friends; to be a friend.

We were child and parent, son and mother ...
I would like to believe she was as much a friend as a mother.
She told me little, but taught me a bunch.

Dearest Mummy, where do I start?
Memories of picnics with marmite and lettuce sandwiches and homemade Victoria sandwich cake with anyone who happened to be around invited. Weird flavour combinations like peppermint meringues and banana ice cream. Eating outside from April to October. No central heating on but a huge roaring fire in the lounge and us eating hot homemade apple cake. Big sugar cubes in the silver sugar bowl. You scattering salt on the Christmas pudding instead of sugar but still insisting we should try it because it wasn't that bad ! Lots of food memories here!
Power cuts with you lighting copious candles because Alison and I were afraid of the dark. Teddies pegged out on the washing line because you had put them through the twin tub washing machine when they were dirty.
Always asking people for directions when we got lost in the car ... and us hiding in the back of the car with such embarrassment. You offering a bunch of daffodils to a big burly trucker who had kindly changed your car tyre when you got a puncture on the motorway.
Your rib squashing bear hugs. Your farewell waves whenever we had visited, no matter what the weather you always came and saw us off.
Although I know you are in heaven, my heart is broken and I feel so so sad. But I know we will see you again, forever together , that eternal perspective and the hope that being a Christian gives to All who believe.
I will love you forever, my darling Mummy, your daughter, Anthea xxxxxxxx

Grandma, you made so much of my childhood unforgettable. The days we spent with you as we were growing up were nothing short of magical. I will forever remember the picnics, the days of playing in the garden, the family get togethers that we so looked forward to and the fact that you always, always made time for elevensies. So much of you lives on in us, your grandchildren, and in our children too. Thank you for all you were and all you gave us. You will be forever loved and remembered. Rebecca x

You were a very special, nurturing person. You welcomed me into your family so warmly, over 40 years ago and I really appreciated that then, and I do know. You treated me like one of your own daughters, which amazed and delighted me. Thank you Mum, your faith goes before you and we love and believe that one day we will see you and rejoice with you again.