Auntie Daphne has a very special place in my heart. She was always kind and engaged with me during my childhood and then later in my life, and I enjoyed many conversations with her over the years on a multitude of topics.

As a child my parents would often visit Daphne’s home which changed between differing Surrey Constabulary locations over the years. I particularly remember Sandy Lane, Guildford where with my cousins Peter and Richard we raced around the immediate neighbourhood on our bikes like maniacs. Tea and sandwiches and cake, all expertly and meticulously prepared by Auntie Daphne. I remember the journeys home to Tooting in snow and ice with hot water bottles and blankets in the car to keep us warm.

I recall a particularly memorable holiday at The Redskin Caravan Park in Bracklesham Bay where our two families rented adjacent dark green caravans for two whole weeks, and a particular strong memory is the ocean of calamine lotion that became essential to soothe our burnt skin…….The camp had a native American logo, but I always thought it was named for the outcome we all experienced………. These were simple carefree times that I have always cherished, and as I write I can smell the salt air and sweet landscape as we climbed the stiles and walked the narrow winding trail to the beach each day.

It was during these early years that I became familiar with Auntie Daphne’s ready smile and nurturing, protective character, her reasoned discipline and positive attitude. These were very definitely happy times for us all.

As Peter and Richard and I grew up these visits and outings became less frequent naturally, and meeting up became the result of a wedding, a christening, a funeral, an important anniversary, or an event such as Uncle Eric shooting at Bisley for Canada, or for one of our Canadian cousins flying in. These events though were always made more memorable by virtue of Auntie Daphne’s charming presence.

Fast forward to the mid 80’s at which time I had transferred to the USA, but with frequent visits back for both business and pleasure. During the ensuing years I tried to implement a tradition of visiting Dovercourt with my mother and taking Auntie Daphne and Auntie Mary to Sunday lunch. We did this several times and it was always great fun for me watching them trade barbs between each other. The “Andrews Sisters” as they were collectively known……loved each other immensely, but coming from differing life styles they were never usually in agreement on much………with the exception of “pudding”…. which was far more important than any “main course”. On my mother’s 80th in 2001, I had flown back and booked up a fine dining restaurant in Colchester. By coincidence it was Valentine’s day (a few weeks ahead of Mum’s actual birthday) and we were seated on a round table in the centre of an upstairs dining room surrounded by quiet couples - in love…….. Our table consisting of my mother Dorothy, Mary, and Daphne had a slightly different vibe……….. My mother had a couple of pre-dinner cocktails on an empty stomach and her head dropped squarely in her plate as she fainted - mid main course – The EMT’s were called and a fire engine arrived with all possible urgency, alarm and drama, and the restaurant was basically taken over by firemen with O2 tanks and full fire gear for an hour while they attended to mother. We all finished up in the hospital at her bedside. Having Daphne there was a blessing. She remained perfectly calm while Mary and I freaked out. Auntie Daphne’s innate compassion and intelligence that day simply sparkled.

In closing I would simply say this, Auntie Daphne was a smart and classy lady. She was a loyal sister and wife, and a wonderful Mum to Peter and Richard, with a fragile sensitivity that drew you in. She will be very much missed but never forgotten……..

Much love to you Auntie Daphne, you made a difference, you were one of a kind, and I feel very privileged to have known you.