Winniemum - how that one word conjures up a picture of a totally unique, inspirational and wonderful lady, in the hearts of Peter and me. I was privileged to know her so well and we were very close. She understood that I had a similar bond with my own darling mother that Chris had with her, and when I lost Mummy nearly 16 years ago, I felt exactly as dearest Chris feels now. Words could never truly explain the devastating loneliness and emptiness. Winnie sensed this and promptly decided to "adopt" me and gave me such a personal name to call her, "Winniemum". She knew that my own mother could never be replaced - nor indeed did she try - but she gave me a sense of belonging again and the knowledge that someone really cared. Chris - whom I have known since childhood at school, became my "adopted" sister in addition to away having been the most true, wonderful and loyal friend one could ever have, and between them, my life had meaning once more. Winniemum therefore has had a very strong influence on my life and was a discreet confidante. I have known her through some exceedingly sad times but also such joyous times. Whenever Chris and Trevor took well earned breaks in the Canaries, it became an opportunity to come up from Cornwall where I had retired to, and "Winniemum Watch". This was never ever a chore, but a very happy event, which I looked forward to on my own and in later years, accompanied by Peter, whom I married just over a year ago. It was a joy for me that Winniemum liked Peter immediately - her approval was so important and she genuinely enjoyed the times we all spent together. Winniemum was delightful to be with, full of a sense of fun, never complaining, and somehow, she managed so easily to make those around her instantly fall in love with her. Her cup was always half full - never half empty. It was always a joy for her to go the shops and browse (and invariably buy) clothes and accessories. This would account for her effortless elegant way she dressed and her attention to detail - she always looked so pretty and well groomed. She had very decided taste in clothes and instantly knew what suited her, in order to achieve her very feminine identity. Her sense of fun was second to none. There was always a little trick she played on Peter that whenever he had helped her into the car and was settling the seat belt around her, she would lean across and plant a big kiss on his cheek. She would giggle and would laugh - in complete unison. It happened every time but never failed to instill such innocent fun. What a flirt she must have been in her young days! There was the time when she was manipulating her wheel chair around M & S with gay abandon, totally oblivious to other shoppers and she wheeled herself over a man's foot! He looked furious, then looked at Winniemum and her gentle face and he apologised....saying "I'm sorry" instantly taking the blame! She promptly retorted with her wonderful engaging smile saying "Well, you will, young man!" At which point, he laughed, fell in love with her and then hobbled off as fast as he could in the opposite direction. Such was her ability to bring out the best in people, always seeing the good side of any situation. It was a complete art form which she had perfected over the years and made those around her feel totally at ease. Many is the time we would go out for meals where she always enjoyed her glass of wine - often it would develop into a glass, or two, three and maybe more! Where it went I never knew, but it never appeared to affect her senses and impede her judgement. She thoroughly enjoyed the sociability of drinking with her family and friends - even up to the last few days in her life. Therefore, I say with such regret that I wish Peter and I could have shared her funeral day, but we raised a toast to one of the most lovely ladies it has been my privilege to know. Personal circumstances sadly prevent this, but nonetheless, we were there in spirit, to thank her for all she meant to me over all the years. We shall never forget her and we loved her very much. Darling Winniemum, thank you for all you gave to me and may you rest in peace, happy in the knowledge that you have produced Christine, a beautiful, wonderful daughter, "adopted sister" and precious friend. What greater legacy can there be than that? Winniemum - always loved, always remembered. Thank you!