Rodmell and Southease

FUNERAL: My mother's funeral at Rodmell Church went off very well and people said to me, '˜what a lovely service', it wasn't at all morbid but was a celebration of her life. I had been dreading that it may be wet and windy but the day was cold but sunny. It was a nice surprise for me to find that one of the coffin bearers was a lovely young man whom I'd known as a baby and whose mum had been a member of Rodmell Youth Club when I was involved in it, namely Anita Walters, as was. I believe his name is Mathew and he has really grown up into a lovely person. It was so lovely to see people from all three care and nursing homes at Mum's funeral. My thanks to Maria Birmingham and her girls at Downside Kingston, Juliet from Lime Tree House at Ringmer and George and Jane from Bramber Nursing Home, Peacehaven. You hear on the news and in the media in general, about bad care and nursing homes, but, all I can say is thank you to all those mentioned above who cared for my mother so well. Thanks also go to our pub for doing such a good spread for the wake. Everyone was most impressed.

SERVICE: The Advent Service of Light on Sunday November 27 was fairly well attended and was a beautiful service as usual. Mum’s flowers from the funeral were by the altar window, as it was her request that they were used after and not just left somewhere, but used to give pleasure to others.

APPLES: I am still picking up apples and putting them in the wheelbarrow outside the house for people to help themselves to. They go quite quickly.

THE GARDEN: With all that’s been going on of late it’s been a bit of a problem putting the garden to bed, but with the help of Olly and Co, the tree surgeon, and Rob the gardener, a very loyal friend, we are gradually getting there.

CHRISTMAS: I suppose the next few weeks will be given to writing Christmas cards and doing up gifts. I need to get in the right frame of mind to join the queues at the Post Office. I do hope all readers will be able to enjoy Christmas when it comes.

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