Cousin Margaret
My first memory of Margaret was when we were both 6 years old, and following a family crisis, Margaret came to stay for the whole of the summer holidays with us in Surrey. It was nice for me as I had my Mum around more than usual because Margaret was staying.
Subsequently, we saw Margaret from time to time in following years. We also heard of Margaret’s many academic achievements from her mother Grace, (my Dad’s favourite sister). Definitely a very brainy cousin!
However, moving abroad, we linked up again whilst living in Western Australia, when she visited on her way home to the UK from working in Victoria. She persuaded us along to see the world-famous Lipizzaner Stallions, amazed that we’d never heard of them!
Back in the UK David & I made regular visits to Margaret each summer when en-route or returning from holidays in Wales. There were times too, when we met mid-way at Powys Castle, with a memorable occasion when David stayed in the car park looking after our Dog ‘Rosie’ who was very quiet until she saw Margaret & me returning from visiting the gardens. She leapt out of the car to greet us, much to the consternation of several peacocks who took flight, squawking their heads off, but to the amusement of passers-by! Margaret loved ‘Rosie’ and made her an ‘honorary cat!!
Staying with Margaret on one occasion, at the time of the Brexit vote, I foolishly let slip that I’d voted ‘leave’. The next morning Margaret was horrified by the result, saying to me she felt it was a really awful decision, though adding: “I don’t actually blame you personally”! On another occasion she wanted to choose a new bathroom suite. We poured over brochures till gone midnight, then the next morning headed to various showrooms. She was most keen to find a really comfortable bath, but took much persuading that the only solution in the showroom was to climb in!
In later years Margaret bore her illness with such courage and bravery. She was always so warm, and hospitable and all our family will miss her greatly.
