My lovely nan has been such an amazing role model throughout out my entire life. I can see her core principles radiating throughout my mum everyday to which I admire so much. She was always so laid back, up for a laugh, non judgmental and headstrong.

I don’t think I ever saw her angry, well apart from the day we all got caught in a sand storm in Cambersands and my sisters and I left her kitchen beakers on the beach in a scurry to get shelter lol. She was not impressed, I thought the mugs were written off, as by this time we had trekked all the way over the sand dunes, and back to the car to seek shelter. But no, Nan sent us all back to collect them hahaha we laughed about that day forever more. Don’t mess with smackdown Joan!

I loved her for her confidence, if she wanted something she would go about finding a way to get it.

No hurdle was too big or too small. Her house was amazing growing up, from running around the pond in the garden endlessly trying not to get squirted by the hose to her being the games master, even from my very first memories she was placing coins inside a jar making us all guess how much was in there, if you got it right you won the money, chi ching!!!!!

And also let’s not forget our many firework nights at her house, they used to be the best event ever! Sat on the front row being served burgers and hot dogs endlessly whilst swirling around sparklers whilst someone (probably Nathan, Grandad or Alan) would be planting a huge rocket in a bed of sand and making a run for it, those nights were the best.

I have endless memories going around hers for dinner where she used to make the best roast dinners, hers always without gravy of course, she was very proud that her Yorkshire puddings would tower over the entire plate, she had a skill with those, they were huge.

Her classic entry into anywhere would be her looking around with her hands on her waist/bum lol. All of those memories were from my younger days however as I got older instead of firework nights we would go to adult pantomimes, tribute shows, caravans, holidays, meals, birthday parties, the list is endless. During these events nans laugh would fill the room lol, once she was off there was no stopping her.

What an amazing woman that we all miss so much. She was truly the best nan ever, so supportive and caring. Love you Nan and thank you for everything, until we meet again.