Tower and Town, December 2018

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Family News

Tim Emery, whose mother, Pat, has suffered from Alzheimer's since 2009, took part in a sponsored walk in South Shields, his mother’s home town. Pat was a teacher at St Peters Junior School for about 20 years. She is now being cared for in Miranda House, Royal Wootton Bassett. Tim’s father, Malcolm, taught at St Peter’s too before becoming head of a Swindon school. If you would like to support them, and the Alzheimer's Society, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mw318680.

Joe Anderson had a wonderful surprise when his son, Jason, took him to his 90th birthday party at the Cricklade House Hotel. 60 of his friends and neighbours were there to celebrate and enjoy a special programme of a dinner, a magician, a disco and a thrilling firework display. Joe and his late wife, Kathleen, chose to live in Marlborough in 1983 when the civil engineering company he worked with, Halcrow, relocated to Swindon. Congratulations and late Happy Birthday Joe.

Hugh de Saram is not only the very efficient chairman of our Tower and Town committee. Recently at Community First's AGM and Award Ceremony in Devizes, he received the award for The Most Innovative Community Run Project for software written to run and manage the Marlborough and District LINK Scheme. Three further LINK Schemes (Malmesbury, Royal Wootton Bassett and Four Villages) have also adopted it, with others considering. Congratulations to Hugh.

Pepita Hurd's family and friends gave thanks for her life at St John the Baptist Church on September 25th. Friends described her as warm, generous and helpful. Her sons described exciting holidays, usually in the countryside, searching for flora and fauna. She enjoyed walking, reading, yoga, quilting, sewing but her special loves were gardening, fund raising and counselling. She often shared her home for Quiet Days and Away Days in aid of the Church or Willows Counselling Service. In 2003 she trained as a Lay Pastoral Assistant. She is sadly missed by her husband Stephen, sons Chris and William, and the local groups that she was involved with. Our deep sympathy to all of them.

Bethanie, née Peck, and Morgan Bisley were married at Minal Church. Her father, Nigel, gave her away. Her mother, Amanda, made the bouquets. Heidi, the bride's sister, was a bridesmaid with Sarah Moxon and Anne Homer. Bethanie and Morgan want to thank Henry Pearson for conducting such a beautiful and happy service. The reception was at Wellington Barn, Calne. Bethanie and Heidi took photographs to show her grandmother, Elsie Peck, in her care home. The bride and groom live in Marlborough. We wish them a long and happy marriage.

I have decided to take a break from Family News. If you are interested in having a go (i.e. if you are a busybody like me) please contact the chairman, tel: 516830.

Audrey Peck