Dearest Betty, when we were first to meet as a foursome for a meal in Bath, I was somewhat in trepidation. Our husbands had already formed a close friendship which went far beyond management consultant and client (two equally hard-working men!), but what, I thought, would we have in common? I knew I would be a sad disappointment to you on the shopping front. However from the start we hit it off - because we shared the same strong view of the importance of family and friends above all else. After that, The Fox in North Warnborough (great little pub with excellent food) became our regular lunchtime meeting point, always catching up with shared photos of family and gardens and lots of chat.

We've loved having you both to stay with us at our house in France, whether relaxing in the garden while the men invariably found some job to do or visiting surrounding places of interest.  Ian particularly remembers a visit to Saumur - he thought he'd timed it well to let us view the shops at lunchtime when they'd be closed but no, you found one open and purchases were made. Then we had what turned out to be a private tour of Veuve Amiot (the bubbly producers) and again purchases were made - plus the free gift of all those coasters!!

Lots and lots of happy memories.  Thank you.  We will miss you so much.  Carolyn Fox (and Ian too) xxx