Nan was absolutely devoted to her family. There were always no questions asked she would be there if you needed her.

Her two children, my mum and uncle Craig, were the apples of her eye.

When uncle Craig used to visit nan he’d go fishing at the end of her drive and she’d always bring him bacon and egg sandwiches and cups of coffee whatever the weather, scrambling up and down the muddy banks of the waterside. When nan and granddad moved to Stratford Craig only worked around the corner in Avenue Farm and so she continued to bring him sandwiches, much to granddads joy as he was never missed out.

She was incredibly proud of mum when she went off to do her nurse training. Nan really enjoyed it when mum managed to come home for a weekend, although on the occasion she went out in town and had a few too many, nan found it necessary to check that mum hadn’t left any surprises outside for the neighbours. Nan was always very house proud, and I guess on that particular night it extended to the drive.

Nan was delighted to have grandchildren, uncle Craig and mum gave her two each respectively.

Tom came along first and spent many happy times with nan and granddad, being taken to Wellesbourne airfield where they hacked into the Air Traffic control and Tom thought he was controlling the plane landings. Tom’s now in the army and nan would burst with pride to see him in his uniform today.

Next there’s Lou, who completed Craig and Karen’s family. Nan always enjoyed her dancing and going to watch her in shows. Lou gave nan her only great-grandchild, Julius, whom nan loved to see.

I came along as number 3 and due to mum being a single parent I spent a lot time with my grandparents. When it came to homework I’d always go to granddad for maths and nan for English, but I can’t spell so thanks nan.

Iz is last, and came a long a little while later. Being the youngest grandchild Iz enjoyed a very special place in Nan’s heart and was able to get away with anything. Iz is like nan in so many ways, especially as she takes an age to get out of the car after parking up.

Nan taught us all a great many things, one which was how to make the best cakes. We spent many hours in her kitchen with her explaining the specific details of baking, with the best bit always being getting to lick the bowl and quality control the cakes. Sadly, it was very rare that nan would make a cake for us, instead they were always shipped up to Newark for her two sisters Dotty and Potty.

Nan went into hospital just before Christmas, but we managed to spring her for Christmas day, where she quality controlled mums triffle – which for those of you who don’t know is a family recipe that passes down to the eldest daughter, meaning its mine next…I hate triffle.

Nan you were there when I was born, I am honoured to have spent many hours sitting with you during your last journey. You didn’t have a lot but you gave us everything and we thank you.