Tower and Town, April 2017

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Family News

The many friends and extended family of Janet Snelgrove were very sad to hear she had died on March 5th. Our sympathy to Geoffrey. More details next month.

Tony Coups died on the 23rd October at Great Western Hospital after bearing the strain of illness for several years. He was born in Harrow-on-the-Hill, attended the Salvatorian College and followed his father into the printing industry. He and Rosemary married in 1964 and they subsequently moved to Ducks Meadow with Catherine and Mark in 1983. Tony travelled extensively on business and socially with his family. His main interests were sailing, motor vehicles, gadgets, music, DIY and his garden in Ducks Meadow. He is sadly missed by his family, friends in Marlborough and beyond.

We have fond memories of Don Lee, who died recently, and admired the way he cared for Bernice when she was ill. Don arrived in Marlborough in August 1964, to work at the Lloyds Bank branch. From early adulthood, he had always been an active member of the bell ringing fraternity, and immediately joined the team at St Mary's where he was Tower Captain for many years. He was Treasurer of the PCC for 25 years and was involved with many other clubs and societies based in the town. Don leaves his two sons, Richard and Andrew, and three grandchildren. Our sympathy to all the family.

Deirdre and Alan Rix have settled down in Highfield Residential Home and their daughter, Alison, is taking them their special possessions. Deirdre came to Savernake Hospital, living in the Nurses Home, aged 17 to test her feelings about nursing as a career. She trained in Winchester and did midwifery at West Middlesex. They were married in Bournemouth in 1957. They lived in various places including the Ogbourne Smallpox Nurses Home and the Meade Children’s Home, where Deirdre was Matron, before the family moved to a new house in Reeds Ground 48 years ago. Alison and her late sister Sarah went to Marlborough schools. Alan was Secretary at Savernake Hospital and a member of the Rotary Club. Deirdre has been an active member of St Mary’s Church. We wish them both many happy years in Highfield.

Jenny and Peter Cossey were looking to downsize and found their ideal flat in Devizes near their daughter, Susan and Alan Cox. They come back often and meet old friends while shopping.

Stewart Dobson's newest grandchild was less than 12 hours old when I met Marian in the High St and she told me that Christopher and Laura have a son, a baby brother for little Isla. Stewart and Marian now have 10 grandchildren! Family parties will be real fun.

Peg Siddall's 100th birthday is on April 9th. She was born at 143 High St (where Costa is now) above the family shoe shop (Mundy's) which had been running since 1889. Her brother, Jim, was born above their other shop at 5 High Street. After her marriage to George Still they lived in Middlesex and Berkshire and in 1957 went to South Africa where George died in 1960. Peg came home with their three children, Margaret, Jennifer and Richard. Peg has 7 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandsons. In 1973 Peg married John Siddall, a ski shooting instructor who had trained three Olympic teams. She has been a regular member of Christchurch congregation. Her birthday will be celebrated by relatives from South Africa, New Zealand and the USA. Happy Birthday Peg!

Audrey Peck