Grandma was first known to Lianne and I as ‘Sadie Grandma’ due to their dog at the time, a black cross breed called Sadie. I think I can remember Sadie’s Mum Shelia too and later on their blue merle collie Pebbles. And that is our first main memory of Grandma- her love of dogs. She often fondly recalled the dog companions she had loved throughout her life- each one holding special memories of a time and a place.
 
Visits to Campbell Avenue were happy occasions due to seeing our friendly, loving, caring Grandparents… and their dogs. We spent happy days in the summer holidays staying with them; playing in their immaculately tended garden, going for walks around Watermead Park, being treated to chips in Birstall, pick and mix from the newsagents and going to watch them play bowls; a passion for both of them.
 
We also have many happy memories of holidays with Grandma at home and abroad. In 1995 we went to Fuerteventura. To this day we all like to recall the terrible resort performer Diego and the occasion his equipment exploded. Grandma was never an exotic eater and on this holiday she slept in the lounge in protest at Mum, who she said, ‘reeked of Garlic’. Grandma also never learnt to swim and we remember on this trip her flailing her arms around while shouting ‘I’m drowning’ as she waded in water approximately 2 feet deep. 
 
We loved going to see her on trips into town when we would pop in to C&A, a job she really loved. I remember her delight in seeing us and her popularity with customers and friends of the family who as we have heard called her ‘Miss Ellie’. We were very proud that this popular, bubbly lady was our Grandma. She always loved meeting people and even in the tough circumstances of illness enjoyed making friends with hospital staff and other patients who she worried about more than herself. 
     
Throughout the years Grandma seemed to see me as something of a confidant which was misguided. I remember often betraying her trust as a young boy. Once in the kitchen of Campbell Avenue I was helping prepare tea when a jar of her homemade pickled onions exploded showering the ceiling with vinegar. ‘Don’t tell anyone Nigel’ she pleaded as I ran into the lounge shouting; ‘Grandma’s pickled onions have exploded!’ I also ruined a surprise present for Grandad. Grandma had found a mini-pool table for him at a church fete and was thrilled because it was something she knew he would like. As Grandad opened it I was keen to share the good news; ‘the best bit is Grandad, it was only £10 pounds!’
 
For us Grandma was always associated with Bushmills. This small little town in County Antrim became almost mythical to us due to the pictures of it in the Grandparents bungalow, and fond tales and recollections every time we would see them. We were fascinated by this magical sounding place near to the Giant’s Causeway. Bushmills and Belfast meant the world to her and she never lost the gentle Irish lilt in her voice. It was an honour to go and visit this beautiful part of the world in June to celebrate where she came from. Whenever I see a bottle of Bushmills whiskey I think of her and will always raise a glass to her memory. I would encourage you all to do the same.
 
Lastly, it’s impossible to talk about Grandma without mentioning her soul mate, life partner and husband, our Grandad Terry. As we got older and got married ourselves we understood and appreciated the wonderful devotion they had with each other.  Grandad was the absolute centre of Grandma’s world, a man she lived for and their love was the purest and truest. She gave Lianne the following advice; always be willing to say sorry, acknowledge when you are wrong and never part on an argument. Grandma and Grandad will always be an inspiration for Lianne and I and our partners Rob and Christine.
 
Grandma spent her last days in Loros and next to the prayer room was a quote which I think she would agree with.; ‘Say not in grief he is no more, but be thankful that he was’. God bless you Grandma and rest in peace.