Mum was always very welcoming and even with her crippling arthritis always managed to pull together a fine meal for unexpected guests and to keep her house in an immaculate condition. Only in the last year as her mobility declined she employed a little help in the house and garden. I as a child have fond memories of Mum. She regularly took us swimming as children, I particularly remember the trips home in her rather tatty A35 van, the windows would steam up with our wet hair and the aroma of the fish and chips would fill the air as we drove home. The smell of fish chips and chlorine still reminds me of those days. Another memory I have is when I fell out of my Aunt's apple tree winding myself, Mum ran to the rescue, applying artificial respiration (old-fashioned CPR) it was such a relief to start breathing again. Mum was a very good cook and taught us children to cook from a young age. She would normally cook a Sunday Roast for lunch Dad & I would often arrive late for lunch after being out on a cold flying field . We really looked forward to our tasty reheated lunch. Mum introduced me to sailing when I was aged about 11, There was a very exciting sail on Isabel (mum's large heavy wooden planked sailing dingy) when the wind strength increased and mum was getting more and more anxious. Even when I hung from the shrouds my weight was having little effect. Luckily the wind dropped as we got into the lee of Mersea Island and we survived. Mums next boat, Sea Lavender was a very elegant all wooden 30' cruiser, Sandra and I spent many weekends sailing with her around the Thames estuary. We would moor for the night and Sandra and I would explore the many creeks in the small sailing tender The Fairy Duckling. Sandra says the thing she appreciated about Mum is that she never interfered and only gave advice when requested. Mum enjoyed any news about our children and became the Grandma checker (grammar checker) for Chris when he was writing his dissertations etc. Stephen and Chris remember cutting down the very tall trees in the garden and being allowed to take charge of the bonfires. Fruit and veg picking was also enjoyed and we never managed to leave Mums house without some of her produce coming with us! We all enjoyed many a game of croquet on Mums lawn and Mum supplied the home made lemonade Mum enjoyed knowing about her grandchildren and Great grandchildren and was always interested in seeing pictures of them and hearing of their exploits.. She will be missed. In loving memory. Dave & Sandra.