Tower and Town, November 2015 (view the full edition)Family NewsJean Wheeler's daughters, Carolyn and Alison, celebrated her life at a service in Preshute Church in September with family and friends including her five grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Jean grew up in Welsh speaking Newport, Pembrokeshire. She met her husband, Dr Bob, in Ceylon when, in the WRNS, she joined a ship where he was the ship's doctor. They came here after the war to be with Dr Bob's father's practice at 119, High St. At first she helped with patients as the receptionist and occasionally gave first aid. Later he joined the Doctors Maurice at 41, High St. After Bob died in 1978 Jean launched herself in to voluntary work ... Citizens' Advice, Tourist Office, Meals on Wheels and Link. Her favourite was the League of Friends of Savernake Hospital. She is fondly remembered by all who worked with her. Jenny Wells says that she cared for her mother, Sylvia Rogers, for six years before she died in August. Sylvia grew up in the Welsh Valleys in a family of seven. She came to work in Marlborough College in 1949 and met Dave Rogers who was on leave while doing his National Service. They married in the Registry Office in 1951 and lodged with family and friends untilthey were allocated a house in St. Margaret's Mead where they raised their two sons and two daughters. Condolences to her close and extended family. June Brinkworth died recently. Her son Steve, a painter and decorator like his late father, told me she was born in India. She met her husband, John, in Ripon. They came here to live in Frees Yard, Salisbury Road in 1970 and then moved to the Mead where their five sons and three daughters grew up. She was Head of Domestic Staff at Savernake Hospital for many years. She lived in Ludgershall at the end of her life. Her main hobby was keeping birds, several indoors, including an owl, and poultry in the garden. Our sympathy to all the family. Maurice Cooper, formerly twice our Mayor, is back on his feet after a short spell in hospital. He will soon restart his old routine of supporting town organisations including the Friends of Marlborough Scouts which he and Rosemary have worked with for 25 years. Rita McVittie, who died in July, worked in horse racing mainly in Lambourn and Manton.She will be missed by her friends here because she was a Special Constable in Marlborough and an enthusiastic member of the U3A Poetry Group. She volunteered with Crofton Beam Engines and at the Merchant's House in Marlborough and was a member of the U3A local History Group. She had been Treasurer of the Jubilee Centre. At home Rita had a small holding with a flock of Shetland sheep and other animals. By way of relaxation Rita loved to read, ride her horses and go swimming. In July we congratulated Robert Henmanon becoming the UK Kendama (Japanese juggling) Champion. He is now European Champion! He was offered funding to go to Japan to the international competition but declined because it took place in term time. Audrey Peck |