3. 30 Dec 2010
Dear Mum / Margaret, we hope you enjoy this book and that it brings back happy memories of your Special
Birthday gathering on Saturday 18 December 2010.
Compiled by Darron and Wendy Gregory.
A big thank you to all of those who braved the snow:
Ben Hutchinson Holly Hutchinson
Callum Gregory Labrador: Rosie
Clare Adams Patrick Gregory
Dave Olsen Phillip Gregory
Dave Partridge Sarah Hutchinson
Doreen Partridge Tracy Gregory
Emma Adams Whippets; Charlie and Jack
And also to everyone who contributed to this book:
Bernard Edmonds Goff Palmer
Brian Thatcher Jean Gregory
Bryan Baker John Gregory
Daphne Jameson Maureen Baker
Derek Jameson Maureen Kimber
Doreen Palmer Nathan Gregory
Geoff Kimber Valerie Thatcher
4.
5. Dear Margaret
When I talk about my mother-in-law, people expect that I’m about to moan; you know that
“mother-in-laws” have a bit of a reputation. I can say that now because I became one myself
this year, but you will never hear any complaints from me.
You have always been warm and friendly towards my girls and me. You and Brian accepted
us into your family straight away, even though my age and three daughters couldn’t have
been quite what you had expected for Darron, 17 years ago.
I always enjoy your company. You are fun to be with, easy to talk to and knowledgeable
about all sorts of things.
You are a brilliant houseguest with an amazing repertoire of card games up your sleeve and
when it comes to playing games, I love the way you are willing to try something new.
I’ve been very grateful for your help on a few occasions; cleaning the house when we moved
to Staines, giving us a roof over our heads when we moved to Kent and your catering skills at
the Millennium Party. You are always willing to help or lend a hand.
For me you are a fabulous role model for a Mum, Mum–in-law, Grandmother and now a
Great-Grandmother and an Independent Women.
And just one more thing, I can never thank you enough for having the most wonderful,
Darron
I hope you enjoy your special birthday
Lots of love from Wendy x
6. Dear Margaret
Marvellous knitter
Artful card player
Really kind
Great sense of humour
Amazingly blue eyes
Remembers important days
Enjoyable company
Thoughtful person who I'm glad to have on my team when
playing Triv.
Happy Birthday!
With love,
Sarah, Ben and Holly xxx
7. Happy birthday Margaret
As we (me, Sarah and Clare) sat on the bus at the
weekend we were having a discussion about all the things
we could write, and came to the conclusion that we have
always felt that you (and Darron) have always been a part
of our lives and in fact we can’t remember life before! So
firstly thank you for being there and secondly for
introducing us to some of the best card games ever …
although we do need more weekends of practice and to
save a few more pennies! Wishing you a very happy
birthday. We are really pleased to be able to help you
celebrate!
Lots of love, Emma, Clare and Dave. xxxx
8.
9.
10. Mum, congratulations on 70 years young. You gave me a great start in life and thanks to you and Dad gave me
firm foundation on which to build and thirty years on I have my own fantastic family trying to do the same for my
own children. All my love Phillip XXXX
13. Have a wonderful birthday Grandma
Sorry I can't be there Grandma, snowed in on the Isle of Man, I
should have been flying home today so I could have come but now
the flights are cancelled. Hope you have a wonderful birthday. With
love Nathan XXXX
14. To Grandma
Happy Birthday can't wait until me and you can have another
bowling session. Watch out!! Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas.
Love from Patrick XXXX
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20. My over-riding childhood memory of Margaret was her keen interest in Liberace and
his music. And how she couldn’t bear to be teased about this. I think that she may
have outgrown this phase in her life by now.
Unfortunately, I missed her wedding to Brian because I was serving Queen and
country doing my National Service in the far off reaches of Singapore and Malaya.
Funny, I cannot remember her ever sending me a food parcel.
Margaret was instrumental in introducing me to my future wife, Maureen, in 1959
as they worked together at Dunn’s in Market Square, Bromley. They are long since
gone but were a well known Bromley store. In fact I believe that our first date was
a visit to Margaret and Brian’s first flat in Clarence Road, Bromley. This was of
course before they moved to Sutton at Hone and became our country cousins.
I was always impressed by Margaret’s home making skills in those early days and
she still keeps the standard up to this day.
nd
Maureen and I wish you a very happy and enjoyable birthday on the 22 .
