I have been looking back at Gran's long life though I only knew her for 40 years of it!

I feel her time working to seek funding for and then closely supervising the building of the Charltons' Community Centre showed her most sterling qualities to their best. She was one of a committee, though involved in every aspect of the project.

She had a very clear idea of what was needed (no doubts), discovered, applied to and hectored potential funders and then followed planning and the building. I remember her adamant insistance that the small kitchen must have an outside window given how much time is spent at the kitchen sink! The result was a spacious and versatile sports and community centre, much used and where she celebrated her 80th birthday.

She was of a generation who rarely worked after marriage. She always told me of her hard work as a Parson's Wife but I feel she would have been using her energy and organisational skills more completely as the CEO of a large Corporation.

My mother in law was a toughy and we got on famously once I realised I must stop seeking her approval. I hugely admired and enjoyed her zest and curiousity in all things in the world around her. This continues undimmed all her life and was the foundation for many of our outings with her in her last few years.