For Aunty Rita. From John and Wendy in Upper Hutt, New Zealand. We are both so sorry that we can’t be with you, in New Zealand we tend to celebrate the life, not morn for the loss. Just hope that it is the case in the U.K. It is a very different world that we are all involved in at this time, and without doubt , when it comes to social distancing, we have taken it a wee bit too far, but this was our choice years back. But, when something like this happens, the feelings are still there, not only for the loved one involved, but for everyone who is assembled. As the eldest of Nan and Grandad Hobbs’s grandchildren, I suppose it followed that not only did I spend a lot of my younger days with them, but also Aunty Rita (and Uncle Michael) became more like my older sister and brother. To that end, a lot of my formative years were spent in their company with the age gap not being that different really. Not only can I recall spending so much time at 80 Kings Avenue, but there were also the times when I was so lucky to go on holiday with Aunty Rita , to see my great Aunty Bess and Uncle Fred (bless them). These days were during my summer holidays (no trips to Majorca, Italy or elsewhere in those days) it was great to go to Buckholt Lane in Sidley for the first few. This is where Uncle Fred was on the farm, a sort of game keeper and the like. If you know Buckholt Lane, as it was then, it was off the beaten track, no bus, and a seemingly long walk, in the dark, with bats everywhere. These days were great, with wide open fields, walks in the woods and the views for miles and miles. There was the opportunity to meet up with neighbours Mr and Mrs Leonard and further along the lane Mr and Mrs Skinner, who as I recall, were so kind and friendly to not only myself and Aunty Rita, but any other members of the family that visited. I can vividly recall many aspects of our holidays there, with walks alongside Cloudy and Judy (the lovely dogs). Also there were the times when we spend hours just laying about in the nearby fields, and just talking of the things young ones do (like: what do you want to do when you grow up, will you get married what do you want to do, and the like, and no, New Zealand was never mentioned. Then there was Uncle Fred and Aunty Bess’s move to Catsfield , can’t recall actually when this happened, but by then Aunty Rita had started work, but when we went there it was during the summer and must have been the early 50’s . Once again Uncle Fred was on the Farm, so there were new areas to search and new discoveries to make. Can well remember a Mr and Mrs Furminger, and a younger guy, Peter who lived next door. Also Uncle Fred’s ferrets which I was told not to go near but I did!! Much to someone’s disgust and a clip around the ear as well. Can recall a bus trip into Bexhill, with the five of us having a look around the town, De La War Pavilion and the beach of course. Then it was lunch time and that was good, but the look on Aunty Rita’s face (and possibly mine) when in his usual manner, Uncle Fred enjoyed his cuppa from his saucer!!!!! Aunty Rita not only took the time to take me on these hols. But I guess was instrumental in my education as to how to behave with the opposite sex, what to do, and more importantly, how to dance…………………not too tight, yet close in those days. (We all know just how much Aunty Rita and Uncle Rex would dance, and love doing so) But then again, I think, love is the key word, as I never recall Aunty Rita having a bad word about anyone, and if anything her mantra could be Love life, remember life. Just as we all remember you. Thanks Aunty Rita. John and Wendy

I am I and you are you, whatever we were to each other that we still are. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? Life means all that it ever meant, it is the same as it ever was.