I chatted to my lovely, kind, caring, brave and inspirational mum at least once a day every day, and her deep love and support was unwavering. She often told me how proud she was of everything I’d achieved, and I often told her she was the best mum in the world, and I was so lucky to have her. I’m going to miss her so much and I hope I continue to make her proud.

Mum was a beautiful kind soul, and she touched the hearts of so many people. The many cards and message we’ve received, reinforces that, everyone says the same about mum; her beaming smile, warm heart, very special, beautiful, beyond good, sweetest person, gentle, lovely lady, always smiling, warm, optimistic, a treasure, bubbly, friendly, helpful, cheerful, welcoming, kind, caring, so positive, a dear friend, never complained, always put people at ease, never had a bad word to say and always put everyone else before herself.

I used to say “stop worrying about everyone else mum, put your energy into caring for yourself” but she couldn’t change - that was just mum, it was in her DNA, she just put everyone else first. But what a wonderful warm caring quality to have - to be that selfless when you are facing your own personal challenges every day.

Mum was such a sociable person she’d chat with absolutely anyone. Growing up I remember she would strike up a conversation with strangers at the bus stop. I would get so embarrassed; I just couldn’t understand how she found it so easy to talk to someone she didn’t know.  But mum just adored chatting, even when she was typing at the speed of light, she could simultaneously hold a conversation with someone on a completely different subject. And her regular weekly telephone calls with her gorgeous sister would go on for hours, we were always amazed and wondered what on earth they found to talk about for all that time.

After retiring mum grabbed the opportunity to be even more sociable, loving days out with 'The Ladies Wot Lunch' - a trip to the lavender fields being one of her most treasured. The WI filled her time with many activities. She used to love the guest speakers, soaking up everything they said like a sponge and then enthusiastically relaying it to us afterwards. Whenever we’d go to an exhibition or museum, she’d read absolutely everything, so it would take twice as long to get around, but she just loved learning and feeding her inquisitive mind.

Knit & Natter was one of her favourite WI activities - of course it was because she could combine two of her favourite pass-times; a good old chin-wag and knitting. As a group they knitted Angel Gowns and tiny hats and robes for premature babies which mum would take to the L&D hospital and she also made 'Twiddle Muffs' for people suffering with dementia.

Retirement gave mum the opportunity to find enjoyment in more arts and crafts activities.  She tried pottery and took a painting and drawing course at the WI’s Denman College which gave her more confidence, and in recent years she gained so much pleasure from drawing her favourite characters from the Beatrix Potter books - some of which you can enjoy in the order of service. The last character mum was drawing, but sadly didn’t complete, was Hunca Munca with her dust-pan and broom to sweep the dollies’ house.  We all know mum loved a clean, tidy, spotless house, so I think this was an appropriate one for her to end on.

Mum also got enormous pleasure from watching programs such as the great British Sewing Bee, the Great Pottery Throw Down, The Repair Shop and more recently Grayson’s Art club and Bob Ross with his happy little clouds and happy little trees. And of course, she also adorned Strictly Come Dancing immersing herself in the glitz, glamour and fantasy of it all. She loved a good boogie herself, whether at a party or just around the kitchen, and so she was bowled over when we bought her ballroom dancing lessons which she absolutely relished, and dad was a good sport and partnered her.

Along with dancing she also loved singing and there were many mornings growing up where she’d start the day belting out a tune in the shower – Oh What a Beautiful Morning was one I remember fondly, and of course one of Barry’s would often make an appearance.

Mum certainly liked to keep active, she loved her walks and ‘getting her steps in’, and her wonderful, beautiful garden kept her busy and fit too, and it gave her so much pleasure when it was done.  She had a wonderful imagination and talked about making up little stories about the insects keeping her company whilst she was gardening.  It amazed me how she could remember all the names to all the plants, but mum had an incredible memory, she never forgot anyone’s name or places we visited.

Mum had a great sense of humour, although a little wicked at times and I’ll never forget when, unknown to me, she put the clocks forward an hour so she could put us to bed earlier. She must have been chuckling inside when I exclaimed disapprovingly about "the kids still playing outside at that time of night!" Mum and dad have always helped me with all kinds of projects I’ve undertaken over the years, some include helping me with my garden, helping me finish my degree work, helping me set up many shows and helping refit my current studio in 2010 - at the end of which mum handed me her letter of resignation 'in the post of painter, decorator, upholsterer, removal operative, cleaner and general skivvy'. She never resigned of course… she never stopped supporting me, she was always there.

We will all miss you so much mum, but I know that you have already made many new friends, entering a room with your beaming smile and a welcoming – "hello peeps, my cherubs, my darlings". Putting everyone at ease and wrapping your arms around them with one of your precious hugs. Spreading your love and kindness. Chewing people’s ears off and putting the world to rights. Donning your marigolds and giving the place a good dust and clean. Maybe even having a lovely natter with Beatrix Potter and a fabulous boogie with the angels.

There were a few sayings that mum repeated over the years, one of my favourites was –

“They broke the mould when they made your dad”.  Although she still called him a Pillock every now and then.

And another one was –

“Have I told you today I love you?”

Your loving daughter Amanda xxx