It was always good to see you when you came to Anthea’s and did all the ironing!
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Barbara Joan Wright (1 Sep 1924 - 27 Apr 2020)
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In loving memory of Barbara Joan Wright.
Barbara was brought up in Nottingham by her mother Annie (known as Nan) Hibbitt, her father having died before she was born. To support her daughter, Nan had to go back to work in service as a cook and housekeeper; and so when Barbara was very young, she spent a lot of time with the family of her cousins, Louie and Connie, who were like sisters to Barbara and remained so until the end of their lives.
At school, her best friend was Margaret Gretton (Davenport), with whom she enjoyed a lifelong friendship. They shared many happy and special times together for 90 years!
Barbara left school at the age of 14 and her first job was a sales assistant in a hat shop. During the Second World War, Barbara wanted to go into the services, like her friend Margaret, but Nan was reluctant for her to leave Nottingham. Barbara spent the war years working in the offices at Player’s cigarette factory. Like many of her friends and contemporaries, these were years of meeting and tragically losing dear friends.
After the war, Barbara and her mother emigrated to New Zealand and thus began a lifelong love affair with the country which became her ‘adopted’ home. Barbara and Nan had to return to England unexpectedly in 1948, when Nan developed health problems. Barbara did not see her beloved New Zealand, nor her dear friend Alma for another thirty years.
The voyage home took six weeks, during which time Barbara met her future husband, the former Royal Navy Officer Gordon Wright on the deck whilst playing quoits!
Gordon and Barbara were married in April 1950 and Gordon qualified as a music teacher. In 1952 they moved into a brand new house at 34 Parkside Gardens, Wollaton, Nottingham. They named their house ‘Pitcairn’, as the ship was moored close to this particular Pacific Island when they first met. Their daughters Jennifer (Jenny) and Anthea were born in September 1953 and July 1955.
Barbara devoted her time to raising her family and ‘Pitcairn’ was always an open house, welcoming friends, family and even strangers from overseas as well as the UK. Barbara and Gordon were active members of Derby Road Baptist Church and later Thomas Helwys Baptist Church in Lenton.
With her daughters settled at primary school, Barbara returned to work, attending college to gain extra qualifications and after a few years securing a part-time job in the Accounts’ Office of Nottingham Polytechnic. She enjoyed the company of ‘the girls’ in the office, especially her good friend Lillian.
In 1979, Barbara and Gordon bought a holiday chalet near Tywyn in Wales, where they spent many happy holidays by themselves or with family members. During the next twenty years, there were trips to New Zealand, Australia, America, Norway, Germany and France to visit friends and to see the world. There were also many memorable holidays in the UK, especially in Plymouth and elsewhere with their close friends George and Margaret. At home, Barbara and Gordon enjoyed the company of special friends, Margaret and Nick down the road in Parkside Gardens and other friends and neighbours nearby.
Early retirement meant that Barbara and Gordon had plenty of time to spend with their six grandchildren. Gordon sadly passed away in 2001. Barbara continued to focus on her home, family and church activities and was delighted to become a great-granny for the first time in 2010. Eight more great-grandchildren were to follow over the next ten years and they all brought her great joy and fulfilment.
Barbara suffered a stroke in December 2016 and in May 2017 she moved to Albemarle Hall Nursing Home in Woodthorpe, Nottingham. Despite her many frailties and struggles to communicate, the loving care provided here enabled Barbara to find contentment and peace in her final years.
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In memory of Aunty Barbara from Jacky and Richard
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Thank you for being the best Granny we could ask for. Love you always, Rachel, Chris, Jessica and Ben xxx
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wrote
Granny, we loved visiting you and spending time with you and also with Grandpa.
You gave us so much,
Amazing Sunday lunches and afternoon teas
Visits to Wollaton Park
Warm towels getting out of the bath and beds with electric blankets
Cups of tea, sweets and access to a well stocked larder
Interesting stories of your world travels with Grandpa
Money surreptitiously placed in a pocket or hand
A letter, a note or a card in the post – always wise and encouraging words
Welcome hugs, mischievous smiles, warmth and joy
You were caring and always positive
You never had a bad word for anyone or anything
Always ready to listen with interest and not to judge
There were never unkind words towards anyone or anything
You showed remarkable strength through adversity
You always thought of others before yourself and embodied your Christian values
We love you Gran and will do our best to give to our friends, children and grandchildren
what you gave to us.
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In loving memory of Aunty Barbara
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donated £30 in memory of Barbara
Glad you are in a better place now. We couldn't have asked for a better Granny. Love you always - Luke, Lesley and Sienna.
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In loving memory of a lovely lady Barbara
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Rest in Peace
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wrote
I met Barbara when she was 6 years old, so we have known each other for over 90 years.
“Her mother raised chicks – I don’t remember them growing into hens. They had goats too, in a field. We tried to milk them, but we couldn’t. Her mother made very nice ground rice pudding.
How did I meet her? Her mother saw me jumping across a dyke with Zena Pike. She must have approved of me or thought I was suitable for Barbara because she asked where I went to school (Ashwell Street School) and Barbara started going there too. We had to walk a long way to school – a couple of miles. We went home for lunch every day. Sometimes we went by bus – two for a penny. Mrs Hibbitt waited with us at the bus stop sometimes and she kissed Barbara a lot when they said goodbye. She made loud continuous smacking sounds.
I remember kicking a ball over a high wall.
We bought gingerbread from a baker’s in Netherfield. That soft, spiced kind. It was nice. On Friday you could buy five cakes for 6d.
We went to London together with our mothers when we were 10 or 11. Buckingham Palace, the Changing of the Guard and St James Park, where we had our sandwiches. Barbara said ‘So where’s the grub?’ we laughed because it was so unlike her. But she did like her food.
I went to the Brownies and the Guides. Barbara’s mother didn’t allow her to go because they were too militaristic. This was a bit of a split because Winnie went to Church and Brownies and Barbara went to Chapel. Later we went youth hostelling a lot. Barbara didn’t come often. That was mostly with Winnie.
During the war Barbara met Mac, Vernon’s brother, and started to go out with him. She wrote to him, but he didn’t write back. Then Vernon wrote to say Mac had been killed in a flying accident. Then Barbara went out with Vernon. I met Max at the big house where Barbara’s mother was housekeeper and I started to go out with him. Barbara married Vernon in Feb 1944. I was a bridesmaid. Vernon was killed in May. Max was killed the day after Vernon. Jim Murray, the best man at B’s wedding, was killed a month before. The three of them were all friends in the RAF.
We went to New Zealand in our early 70’s, we felt like we were 25. We went everywhere by train, bus, plane to see the country and to visit Max and Vernon’s families. You would catch a plane like a bus. It was a great success and we were both really pleased to have done it.
We went on a cruise when we were in our late 70’s. all over Mediterranean. I slept on the top bunk. Barbara unpacked and repacked her suitcase almost every day.”
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Love you Granny, love Jo & Rob
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In loving memory of Auntie Barbara. Xx
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wrote
In memory of my loving and kind Auntie Barbara. Xx
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donated £50 in memory of Barbara
Fond memories and much love
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Rest in peace
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Barbara Wright, in my memory always the kindest of hosts. RIP
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In memory of Granny.
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Thank you for your life long care and friendship, Aunty Barbara. God Bless you.
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donated £50 in memory of Barbara
Barbara was a lovely and inspirational lady.
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The 6 cousins with their very young looking granny on her 80th birthday, September 2004
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Sorry Paul's error, this was in fact Sept 2012
wrote
When I remember Gran, I think of:
• Having to turn the TV on for Points of View and Songs of Praise
• Cups of warm Ribena
• Radio Times
• 'Little bit of fish'
• Warm rolls and full spread at 4pm
• The look of joy on your face whenever we bounded through the door on a Sunday lunchtime
But Gran you were thoughtful, gentle, generous, kind and really encouraging. You never shouted at us even when we definitely deserved it.
Thank you for being an amazing role model - we love you.
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wrote
My Granny
I miss fish and chips with you
I miss taking you shopping
I miss your cooking
I miss your smile
I miss your not so subtle comments that always made me laugh
I miss walking on your garden wall
I miss your pristine garden and climbing the apple tree
I miss walks in Wollaton Park
I miss you locking all the internal doors every night
I miss your letters
I miss your pantry
I miss my granny
That’s right, I miss you.
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Designed by Joanna Hayden Cox for granny
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The 6 cousins with their very young looking granny on her 80th birthday, September 2004
Designed by Joanna Hayden Cox for granny
90th Birthday Afternoon Tea with Jenny and Anthea
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