Sunday, 2 September 2012

Gladys Lavender 1918-2012


Gladys  
Early on Tuesday morning, Gladys died in her sleep.
She was the mother of Carol, our sister-in-law in England.
She was 93.
It will be our privilege to celebrate her life with her family at her funeral on Friday, 7th September.



Saturday : A cold and damp arrival from Ireland. This is Llandudno in north Wales, where the hospitality business was suffering in rain and strong winds.







The road round the Great Orme, a rocky peninsula where the mist came down.








Sunday : The sun was out in Alcester, in the heart of England. Neil joins the BBQ squad with his brother Malcolm at the back and brother-in-law Mike to the right. They are warming up the charcoal.



The cooks explain why the meatballs are all crumbled and will have to be eaten with a spoon.






Monday : Looking through the tuery (lane) to the op shop. This is where our sister-in-law Carol works for the benefit of the Shakespeare Hospice in Stratford.  
Meanwhile, Mal & Carol paid Gladys a visit, - which sadly turned out to be their last, - as she passed away peacefully in her sleep early the next morning.








A very recent happening! All Olympic Gold Medal winners got their hometown postboxes painted gold. All others remain red as usual.










Mal and Carol have just changed their car, to a Vauxall Astra Twin Top. (Sporty !)







This is a run to Stratford with the top down, in the front seat.
This is the same run to Stratford with the top down, from the backseat passengers who seem to be collecting  eddies of fresher air.









Wintry (!) Stratford.  It was the coldest local recorded overnight temperature - for August, with touches of frost.









The now completely refurbished Royal Shakespeare Theatre, interesting to wander in.







The Saxon Sanctuary, the name nearby  Wootton Wawen Church gives itself.
Only the core of it is Saxon. It has been added to until it gives the impression of a modular church. Spiritual life is active with Alpha Courses and weekly Celtic form services. Good to see such continuity.


Sandra with Carol, daughter Kate and Neil's brother Malcolm.