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IN MEMORIAM - CONTEMPORARY
ABOUT LITTON CHENEY
OUR VILLAGE HISTORIC ARCHIVE
a village in the Bride Valley Litton Cheney Dorset
Photo by Claire Moore 3_7_2021
Mary Anderson 1934-2022
For a woman who was so organised and meticulously planned as Mary, the timing of this would have been as much of a surprise to her, as it has been to us all. Amongst the numerous lists, notes and emails Sally and I have worked our way through I am pleased to say that she did, of course, leave instructions for today. I’ll start with her words to us all: “To my husband Gordon, my children Neal and Sally, my Daughter in Law Kelly, my son in Law Tim, my Grandchildren Sophie, Jordan and Sam, and to my friends… Thank you for giving me such joy and fun throughout the ups and down of life, and I wish you all very well for your futures as I really love you all” Born in Market Drayton in 1934, Mary was always proud to be the daughter of the town butcher, John Mountford. Her mother Eunice passed on a love and skill for arranging church flowers, and she often recounted the fun of playing Hockey for the town in her younger years. She had one brother, Colin, who worked in, and later took over, their fathers Butchers shop. Her organisational abilities, record keeping and skills as an exceptionally fast typist were no doubt honed at secretarial college in Oxford, but it was whilst working in the bank at Market Drayton that one of the most important moments of her life happened. The bank managers son came in one day and asked his father who that attractive new cashier was. Gordon and Mary met. They courted, they danced their way into each other’s hearts, and they married in June 1957. For nearly 65 years they have been by each other’s side. Mary and Gordon set up their first home in St Albans, both working for Marconi at the time. They were adventurous years with trips to North Wales and Scotland to walk and climb. Mum often recounted surviving perilous journeys across mountain ridges, although I’m not sure how many of them she actually did more than once. She did however enjoy talking with legendary climber Hamish McInnes about his work with mountain rescue dogs during a snowy New Years in Glencoe. Dogs have been a constant joy, comfort, and companion throughout her life, from her first, Hettie, to the later dogs Flora, Flo-Jo, Suzie, and Joyce that many of you will know. Sometimes we wondered if dogs were the most important members of the family to her, but I think Gordon had that place secured. After 10 years of adventure together, they moved to Newport South Wales as they started their family. This brought new challenges, opportunities and friendships for Mary and Gordon. Sailing came to the forefront of hobbies and mum was an able crew until I had grown big enough to take over. Sally made an entrance and Mary combined mothering with work at the local technical college. At this time Gordon was working away 3/4 days each week and sometimes for several weeks at a time. Mum perfected the art of always being right and kept us both in line with a combination of firm rules, fun games and lots of trips out based on her love of history. Mary always liked a holiday. Perhaps because she could daydream about upcoming trips with friends or family, perhaps it was having new places to explore, or perhaps it was the opportunity to plan and organise itineraries for others. All I know, is that this is was one of the things that kept her feeling optimistic and brought her joy. She liked to have two, three or four holidays booked to look forward to. She fondly looked back on holidays across Switzerland and Italy with bother Colin and his wife Angela, family adventures across France with Glenda and Ted and their children, and numerous cross channel trips with local friends searching out good food, good wine and good company. Money and time were never seen as a barrier to having some type of holiday. I remember one weekend when she desperately wanted to visit Pompeii but couldn’t afford the trip, she had a Pompeii weekend at home. She ordered history books, tour guides and immersed herself in everything Italian, including a lot of spaghetti bolognaise, for the whole weekend. A move to Puncknowle in 1977, prompted by Gordons job, was to be the springboard for her to find her own professional feet and carve her own career. As town clerk she brought new ideas and traditions to Bridport, establishing the annual Torchlight Procession and expanding the Christmas tree displays throughout the streets. She was Superintendent Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages at Bridport for many years. Sally and I have fond memories of Saturday morning trips into town where Mum would conduct a marriage ceremony, Sal would sit patiently at the back, and I would hang out in town with friends. She was never one to stick too carefully to rules, especially if they didn’t align with what she wanted to do, so when Sally asked if she could marry her cat Ozzy, mum duly performed a full ceremony for her. Puncknowle was where Sally and I also remember the birth of the legendary events - “a Mary and Gordon party!” As with most areas of their life, they both contributed two halves of a whole. Always plenty to drink. Always interesting and varied guests. Always quiche. A barbecue with Gordon at the helm. Always a good time. Always plans for the next party. Parties were where I remember the combination of Mary and Gordon at their most welcoming, playful and generous. As youngsters, parties were where Sally and I learned to pass round trays of nibbles and talk to strangers. Sally on vol au vents, and me encouraged to “go talk to Ralph” - even if there wasn’t a Ralph at the party. It was really a command to go out and meet new people. Don’t stand on the side-lines waiting for the world to come to you, go out and get it. Mum was a lot like that in life - giving orders to help you have a good time. Moaning was never an option and she would often recount her mother saying that “there is never a reason to be bored because no matter where you are or what you are doing, there is always something to look at and be curious about.” It’s something I live by now. Whether welcoming new people to the village, hosting the crafters, the art group, work colleagues, or friends, parties were one of the many ways Mary brought joy to others and the community. One of her most favourite books, The Ascent of Rum Doodle, includes a passage where, to alleviate the difficulty of being stuck in a crevasse for several days, the medic sends for champagne. Mary was also known to do the same, particularly when hosting a planning meeting or an impromptu celebration. The next time you eat quiche or drink a glass of bubbly please raise a glass to Mary, she will be doing the same with you. It was a desire to care for and support others that took her to working for the NHS at Herrison Hospital. At a time when care in the community was being implemented, Mary was at the heart of the approach in West Dorset in the late 1980’s and 1990’s. She was invited to form Dorset Residential Homes and as executive director she oversaw the establishment of over 20 homes across the area providing care for those with mental health, mental illness and learning disability needs. She built many lasting friendships over this time and was the first person to hold a Professional Licentiateship in Care from City and Guilds. She retired in 1997 leaving a legacy which endures to this day of person centred care for those that need it. We found a reminder stuck inside her diary saying “the TV is not a substitute for good care” and I am sure that was why the television was not allowed on in the day at home. I’m also sure it’s why she so consistently kept in touch with many of us all with letters, postcards, phone calls and emails. She truly cared about everyone she knew, and perhaps none more so than her grandchildren, Sophie, Jordan and Sam. As they have all grown she has loved playing games and supporting them with researching, fundraising, listening to recitals and proof reading dissertations. In Sophie’s words: “Some of my fondest memories include visits to the donkey sanctuary, potting up many, many plants and the last Jubilee party at the village hall when Granny was up dancing at the front. I’m going to miss her calls - she’d call most days, just to chat.” Mary was a much loved member of the local community. She was never happier than when organising others and being part of clubs and groups. She played the organ at St Marys Puncknowle for many years, arranged flowers here at Litton, helped out at Fete’s, and was active in Ladybirds, WI, the Art club and the Crafters. She inspired a love of reading in Sally, Sophie, Jordan, Sam and myself and in all the many pupils she encouraged and supported at Thorners School. More recently she raised funds for the bells here at the church. Many of the cards received by Gordon are testament to the love people felt for her, describing her as: “A great friend always with a twinkle in her eye; a privilege to get to know; a cheerful soul; charming and welcoming; an inspiration; someone with kindness, generosity and enthusiasm for all things; vibrant and young at heart.” Following retirement Mary never slowed down and the Bridport Leisure Centre was her next passion. Her cheery smile lit up reception for many years and she made many friends along the way. This is also where her love for fundraising challenges really took hold. She’s helped Jordan to fundraise for an expedition in Ecuador, she’s ‘Walked for Life’ many times, ‘Swam the Channel’ in her own unique way 5 times, and raised thousands for charities, many of them animal rescue. She dreamed of owning some land and eventually got hold of a small patch off White Way and planted it with several hundred trees. But how to manage a growing woodland? Take a course at Kingston Maurward obviously. When the course called for her to gain a chainsaw licence she laughed, and then took on the challenge with her usual confidence. She passed. Nothing held her back once she had set her mind to it. A gardener, a unique artist, a knitter, a good cook, and the most caring mother Sally and I could wish for, the loss of Mary has left a great hole in the community, in the family, and in her lifelong partnership with Gordon. I want to close with a few words from The Ascent of Rum Doodle that we often laughed about together. This abridged passage comes from the early part of the book where Binder, the trip leader, is describing his assembled team: “Tom Burley. Well known for his prodigious feats of endurance. Has been high. Christopher Wish. Excellent on rock. Has been higher than most. Donald Shute. Splendid on ice. Has been as high as most. Humphrey Jungle. Radio expert and route finder. Has been nearly as high as most. Lancelot Constant. Diplomat and linguist. Was expected to go high. Ridley Prone. Doctor to the expedition. Had been high enough.” I’d like to add one more to the expedition team. Mary Anderson. Is now higher than most. Send more Champagne. Neal Anderson 24 May 2022
MARY and GORDON ANDERSON
Gordon Anderson 1935-2024
Firstly, I am sure Gordon would be the first to thank you all for being here and apologise for all the fuss around today. Always gracious. he was never someone who wanted to cause trouble and, looking out over everyone's faces here today, he would be honoured to see the lives he touched and hear about the memories he created. Born and raised in Harrogate, Gordon was the son of a Bank Manager, a brother to Sheila and a proud Yorkshireman straight- talking, a lover of cheese with cake, and full of a dry sense of humour. His early years were the foundation for a life marked by generosity, adventures and service. The notable parts of his early years at Grammar School left him with a love of strong, fast swimming and reciting Gilbert and Sullivan when happy - if you never heard him belting out 'three little maids' in the kitchen you shuld count yourself lucky. During his National Service with the RAF as a ground radar fitter - conduct 'exemplary', bearing 'smart' - he not only honed his skills with wires and circuits but also nurtured a lifelong love for table tennis. His legendary backhand topspin, perfected during this time, became a signature move that stayed with him for decades and secured him many wins over several of us here today. His parents had moved to Market Drayton in Shropshire whilst he was in the RAF and it was during a visit to the bank to see his father he caught the eye of a young cashier. Gordon and Mary met, danced their way into each other's hearts and married in June 1957. For nearly 65 years they were devoted to each other - a true partnership filled with love and resilience. It is hard to think of one without the other. After his service, Dad began his career at Marconi E, St Albans, working as a technician by day and home radio enthusiast by night. To this day there are enough for two radios in every room of the house - all the better for listening to the Archers. But life wasn't all electronics. Gordon played hockey for the town in the evenings and at weekends he would leave Mary and hop on the back of a motorbike after work racing toward North Wales to camp on the front lawn of Gwern Gof Isaf farm. They'd wake to the stunning views of Tryfan and spend the days walking the mountains and climbing in Llanberis Pass – hobnail boots, three-ply rope tied around their waists and a determination not to fall because, as he'd say, "it hurts." In due course he shared his love of the outdoors with his nephews and introduced me to the world of climbing, the joys of North Wales, Dartmoor and the determination "to keep going for as far as you can see." In 1966 Dad joined Standard Telephones and Cables as a field sales engineer. Mary was very supportive of his blossoming career - I was just 6 weeks old when they moved to Newport, Wales. His first assignment shortly afterwards was a 6000 mile, 3 month self-driven sales tour of Eastern Europe where he gave 800 demonstrations to people in Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Israel, and Austria. Relying on his considerable charm for what would have been a bold adventure at the time, I think this was the birthplace of his often repeated business advice to me "if you want something to happen, you've got to make it happen". A people person, Gordon specialised in selling offshore cables and was extremely good at it, working away 3/4 days each week and sometimes for several weeks at a time. The role eventually brought the family to Puncknowle where he worked closely with the Admiralty on Portland. This was a dream come true for him. Less time away from home for work and a village community to be part of and to contribute selflessly to. Friday nights were darts - he waited 8 years for a place on the team to come up but when it did he was a force to be reckoned with. He helped me join the team by being economical with the truth about my age - I had two 18th birthdays at the Crown Inn - and those Friday nights playing darts together are special memories. After he and Mary moved across the valley to Litton Cheney 40 years ago, Gordon found a warm welcome in the White Horse. Sunday lunchtimes with Eddy Fry, Ambrose and many others were followed in later years by walks down the road with his dog Joyce for a pint of 200 with a handle. Gordon's love of food extended to the barbecue. Quite frankly, he was obsessed. Expertly grilling for as long as someone kept him supplied with drinks, garlic bread and something to cook. His secret was a very cheerful smile and "keeping everything moving." Mary was the driving force behind everything, always willing to volunteer to host events and offer Gordon’s barbecuing services and whatever else was needed. Welcoming, generous and good fun is how everyone describes any of the parties or socials at Talisman. Sailing was Dad's favourite sport and it became a bond we shared throughout our lives. From his first Enterprise dinghy to the Prelude 19 on the River Usk and later our Hurley 22 in Portland Harbour, we spent countless hours on the water. I vividly remember a rare family trip across the Bristol Channel to Weston-Super-Mare. Shifting sands and some tidal miscalculations stranded us for six hours. Mum was less than thrilled but, in her typical fashion, her over-catering saved the day. Over the years, Dad and I built wonderful memories together on the water. We fitted out a boat, sailed to France and the Channel Islands multiple times, weathered storms, battled tidal races and shared many meals of bread, cheese, and wine - always returning with some good stocks too. One particularly memorable trip took place just before I flew to America to marry Kelly. Gordon and I sailed to Alderney and Cherbourg blessed with fantastic weather for the crossing. As usual, we timed our 12-hour overnight journey to arrive at dawn. However, the weather turned a bit rough during our stay and, on our return, we sailed into a storm. Forced to retrace our steps through high seas, we eventually made it back to port. In order not to miss the wedding, we left the boat in Cherbourg and returned home by ferry. Dad tater brought the boat back alone in some feisty weather and that single-handed trip became one of his proudest achievements. But Gordon wasn't just about adventures; he was deeply committed to his community. He was a long-serving member of Bridport Lions Club, a District Commissioner for West Dorset Scouts, an expert fete organiser, a bingo caller, a bridge player, the definitive swim-marathon compere and a long serving bellringer here at St. Marys. The tenor was his bell and ringing it suited his character - steady, reliable and big. Following early retirement, Gordon turned himself to following his great passions in life - pets and woodwork. Dane Enterprises was born and he spent many happy hours pet minding, house sitting, building crocodile themed climbing frames, turning bowls, mending chairs and putting up shelves strong enough to withstand an earthquake. When not working, he loved holidays with Mum, particularly trips to France with friends or with Sally and her family. If there was hot sunshine and a swimming pool he was very happy. To count how many dogs Gordon has cared for would be a near impossible task. He was devoted to them and all through our growing up Sally and I knew his morning ritual of up at 6, walk the dogs for an hour - longer on a particularly nice day - and return for the heartiest bowl of cereal you could imagine. Mary used to say that he thought more of the dogs than he did of her. Sally and I thought it was a joke until we were sifting through some papers a couple of weeks ago. We happened across a large 8x10 envelope that looked sure to contain a picture. On the outside was written "the family" in Dad’s beautiful cursive style. Together we opened it hoping for a rare picture of the four of us together, a bit like the photograph in the order of service you have in front of you. You will have guessed the result - the image was of five dogs sitting smartly in the sunshine, bright eyed with open fields behind. Gordon and Mary truly loved all their pets - we think six dogs and two cats at one time was the peak - though most of you will know Gordon with one or two dogs - Jack, Ruby. Flo-Jo and latterly Joyce. Dogs have given Gordon purpose, companionship and love throughout his life and he has given the same to them. Gordon loved his family. He and Mary worked hard to create a welcoming, always-open home for Sally and I and our families. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren - Sophie, Jordan, and Sam and took great pride in their accomplishments. Sharing his love of table tennis with each of them was a particular pleasure and he loved hearing about the adventures of Sophie's teaching, Sam's sailing, Jordan's new family and meeting his great grandson Obi. He had a passion for all types of music throughout his life, but particularly traditional jazz - something he shared with his daughter Sally. One of their most treasured trips was to New Orleans together where they soaked in the magic of Preservation Hall and the city's rich culture. The books of Arthur Ransome were Gordon's most favourite. i believe Swallows and Amazons sparked his love of the outdoors and it seems fitting to end with two Ransome quotes that sum up his outlook on life: "Things might have been a tot worse. Don't you worry about it overmuch. When a thing's done, it's done". "Grab a chance and you wont be sorry for what might have been". Above all, Dad lived a fun and remarkable life and, though we will miss him, his spirit lives on in every backhand topspin, in every sail catching the wind and in every barbecue shared. Neal Anderson 22 November 2024
HUGH THOMAS 1946-2018
The following eulogy was read at Hugh’s funeral on the 16 th of November 2018:
Firstly, Margaret and Family have asked me to say “thank you” to all of you for coming here today to pay your respects and say farewell to Hugh. Thank you too for all the cards and expressions of condolence. In turn, I would like to thank them for the privilege of being able to say these few words about the man we all knew and admired so much. Hugh, together with his twin brother Gareth, was born in May 1946 in the Welsh town of Neath. His father Cyril was a bus driver. He had a sister, Margaret, and two brothers, Keith and Richard.. Hugh met his wife to be Margaret in 1969 and they were married in 1970. Their son Gavin, now a consultant in respiratory medicine, was born in 1972 and their daughter, Angharad, now a school teacher at St Catherines in Bridport, in 1974. Hugh was a very private man, not one for a night out with the boys playing skittles or darts although he did enjoy a pint or two with his close friends. However, his two overwhelming passions were his family and his work. He was immensely proud of his two grand-sons, Evan and Ivor and his grand-daughter Farah. After attending Neath Grammer School he started work with Neath Borough Council as a rent collector. In 1969 he joined the South Wales Police and, entirely on merit, rapidly rose to the rank of constable! He transferred to the Dorset Police Force at Poole in 1974. Subsequently he gained valuable experience in a number of roles in Shaftesbury, Sherborne, Lyme Regis, Bournemouth and Weymouth. For several years he was Inspector-in- Charge at Bridport. He was very fond of travelling especially his wine tasting trips to France and Spain. He took a great interest in sport, especially Welsh rugby and Swansea City football club. For some years he shared an interest in several national hunt racehorses and was overjoyed when one of them, Philson Run, won the Midlands Grand National and finished fourth in the Aintree version. Hugh had been unwell for some time but it came as an enormous shock to all of us at his sudden demise. He was a great lover of the works of Dylan Thomas. Apparently, towards the end, in the words or that great poet, he “raged, raged against the dying of the light” but eventually he “went gentle into that good night”. So, as we say “farewell” to Hugh for one last time, I’m sure many of you share similar happy memories not only of his sense of humour but his kindness, thoughtfulness and undeniable generosity. I’m sure he would not want us ‘lovely boys’ to mourn his passing but to give thanks for his life and work whilst expressing our condolences to Margaret and the family. Goodbye my old friend, you will be sadly missed but never forgotten. David Hearn 16.11.2018
Hugh and Gareth
Hugh and Grandson Evan