**** UPDATE - 9 June 2021 - UPDATE ****
The news this week raises increasing doubt about whether the 21 June release of restrictions will be allowed to happen.
Even more important, is the question whether any delay in removing restrictions on 21 June would prevent the Thames Philharmonic Choir performing on the 26th as their tribute to Mary.
The family’s view is that the Choir must be able to perform their tribute piece at her Event. If not, then it can not be the event that would properly celebrate Mary’s life.
We have decided that it would be unfair to rush the choir into a performance before they are ready, and this, allied to the uncertainty about the Covid restrictions means we must abandon the 26th June as the date for Mary’s Event. Sorry for the short notice, but we hope you will understand.
That said, Mary’s birthday in September often fell on the weekend the Chapter House was open for London Open House, and she loved nothing better than having drinks there with her friends once the public had left.
So, with Mary’s influence guiding us, still, we are now fixing her Celebration Event for Saturday 18 September.
We will be in touch with everyone again (if Mary was still here she would be on the phone to you all, but Michael and I aren’t that organised) but hope we may look forward to seeing you all in September.
*** ARCHIVE ***
Funeral service is on Friday 28th May 2021 at 10:30 am. at St James Church, Martin Way, Morden. It may be possible to accommodate all who wish to attend, depending on social distancing rules applying at the time. Due to track and trace requirements it is important those wishing to do so could let us know in advance and the size of their 'bubble' if two or more as soon as possible by emailing/texting or phoning Michael or Nicholas on the usual numbers/addresses. Presently there does not seem to be a problem. Sadly, face coverings are still essential.
For anyone wishing to make a charitable donation on the day there will be a bowl in the lobby, with the appropriate envelopes for gift aid if required.
We are also holding an event at Merton Priory Chapter House (probably 11am to 3 or 4pm) to celebrate all the many positives, and what we all owe Mary in our different ways. We do not expect any restrictions to be in force which would prevent as many to be there as want to come.
We expect there to be much to interest everyone, from examples of her skills, her library of scarves, fabrics and blocks, the 'Marys' - the many jumpers she knitted for everyone - preserves, blankets, cushions etc. on the one hand, and block printing displays by the Museum and some choral work by 'her' choir.
Even more important, those there will themselves be stores of memories of Mary from her different circles of interest that we can share with each other. Refreshments, of course (but, sadly, not to her standard, obviously). More details when when we have them.
See Charities and Causes. Funeral Directors are Funeral Services Ltd 91 London Road, Morden SM4 5HP (020 8648 3598) for donations by cheque