Dear Members
Although we like to be happy and cheerful as we enter a new year and do indeed wish everyone a Happy new year I am afraid that the old year ended on a sad note. Our member, Marie-Claire Baines sadly died on the 15th December. Her loss is deeply felt by her husband Richard and those of us who regarded her as a friend.
Claire was one of the kindest and most generous people I have had the privilege to know. In her quiet way she did so much to help our District so her passing is a loss to us all. For many years she helped in the apiary; nothing was too much trouble. I think the words, ” I’ll do that” or something similar are ones I most associate with Claire. She also always volunteered to help at the shows in which our District was involved, often taking full responsibility for the wax side of things especially the candle rolling. Our group greatly benefitted from Claire’s love of candle making. She would take away a block of wax and return with a box of beautiful candles – all donated for the District to sell – after the necessary polishing with her little soft brush of course. Did you know that candles improve with polishing? I didn’t until Claire explained about removing the bloom that naturally occurs on wax.
These are just a few examples of why I want to say with great affection,”Thank you Claire, you will be greatly missed”.
Celia Smith