Page 18 - BR September 2023 (1)

September 2023 September 2023

OBITUARIES/EULOGIES

Durnovarian Dames, making some lovely new friends. Interestingly,
the Dames were a renegade off-shoot of the local WI * a kind of
'paramilitary wing' ofthe official organisation. This suited Diana: she was no
rebel, but she wasn't one for the stuffiness of rules and regulations either. She
liked getting on with things and just preferred a simple 'see it, do it' approach
to the things she was involved with.
That busy-ness meant she wasn't one for the TV: too much to do! And if she
went on holidays with Brian (to Malta or Spain, say), then they'd be
destinations chosen for where they could explore. They loved to take in the
architecture and feel of a place, rather than laze at the poolside.

And 'busy' is how her grandchildren remember her too. She played a central
role in the young lives of Abi & Michael, Chris & Carly, Ryan & Erin. Granny's
kitchen table was pivotal to their memories. Not only would she be bustling
around it at meal-times, making sure that everyone sat around had enough
on their plate and encouraging them to take seconds from the array of
tureens and dishes that were piled up in the cente. But also it was her creative
hub, somewhere they'd all gather and where everything from making pastry
and jam and cakes happened, or where they'd do jigsaw puzzles or play
board games, or where they'd make decorations for the Christmas tree, or
learn how to knit or make teddies and dolls * or quirky hats, which she'd
proudly wear to the Bridport hat festival.

It was a truly joyful life - one in which Diana generously and kindly gave out would have happened had the Japanese succeeded. Looking back there are
much more than she took, and one that touched the hearts of everyone she lessons to be learnt even today when one considers some of the world’s problems
met. Now that she's gone, she will be dearly missed. today.

th
Next month 7 September (first Thursday again) we meet for a talk by one of the
lead archeologists from the Bournemouth University who will talk us through the
Editor’s note: project and dig taking place at North Farm Winterborne Kingston. Some of us
Martin and I were blessed with our purchase of Culver Dell in 1999 and at that went to the site in July for the open day. I am sure this will be very interesting and
time, Di passed on a number of fascinating documents to us including a another look into ordinary life in this area 2000 years ago.
poem which she had written for a competition. The original made reference Looking further ahead in October Janey Gordon is giving us a talk on Underwater
to Black Hill - the view from the house - and I have in Dorset. Janey is a diver and will show us what one can see under the water off
treasured this for over twenty years. the Dorset Coast. Put this date in you diary.
In later years Di amended the poem, after she Please just turn up at 2.30 pm on the First Thursday each month. We try and find
changed her mind, and John found this amongst her something interesting to see and listen to. You can meet friends and have tea.
effects, so it is reproduced opposite. She certainly Cost £3.00 to include tea and a raffle.
was a lovely and talented lady and we are so
pleased that we have been able to be the current
custodians of her former home.

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