Hermitage

Photo: Jeremy Cozens

Good news

I am delighted to announce the safe arrival my daughter Lucy’s baby, Sebastian Rocco Newnham, on 28 March.

Lucy was born here, and it was lovely that she was able to tell her mum that she was expecting, three days before Liz died.

Death and birth form the circle of life and I haven’t wanted to announce much since Liz died but I think this deserves a shout. Also, I would like to share with you the poem Lucy wrote and read for her mum at the funeral. Have a happy spring one and all.

Jeremy Cozens

Little Hintock

Where am I now? A Poem for Mum

30th September 2021 By Lucy

Where am I now? I’m wherever you imagine! Whether it’s floating on clouds, or a party in heaven. Wherever I am, I am still here with you, In more ways than one, a fact always true. Now I know you’re all sad, but making a fuss isn’t me, ‘Stop being so emotional’ I say – composed you should be. So to help here’s a message, to aid a little smile, some memories and thoughts you can call on once in a while. I am in every photo, I’ll watch over you from the sill, me through my 6 decades, captured perfectly in still. See me working on the farm and riding my horse, or all glam for a village ball, with the classic pose of course!

Dance like me at parties and remember my favourite songs, rejoice in the feeling to whom the memory belongs. Think of me when you’re playing scrabble, well now you’re in luck, without me there you may actually win! Or be permanently stuck. I’m with you when you try, The Times 2 crossword, my thesaurus is well worn – me cheat?! Don’t be absurd!

When you answer the phone, and it’s a loved one you hear, answer, like my me and my own mother, with a gentle ‘hello dear’.

And when you’re arranging a vase of flowers, I’ll blossom into your mind, make sure you listened to what I taught you with displays carefully designed. Which leads me to weddings, my piece de resistance, my gift to so many, for your floral romance. Now I don’t know how you’ll survive without knowing important dates, no calendar of family birthdays, will leave you in dire straits! And speaking of birthdays, please continue to celebrate mine, a cake would be lovely, coffee and walnut? Divine!

Please take me on trips, and show me new places, speak of me to loved ones and familiar faces.

But remember to act with caution, for adventures I did not reach, on holiday in Cornwall – you can’t take wine glasses to the beach! Look out towards the sea, to the mouth of the Dart, fond family holiday memories, still deep in your heart. I’ll be happy in Staverton, my beloved first home, you’re always most welcome to pay a visit and roam. But Hermitage will remain a huge part of my life, where I brought up my family, a proud mum and wife. I’ll be at every future special occasion and family event, watching from afar, so happy and content, That you’re coping without me, your grief settling down, but I know you will remember, to avoid that frown. I am still Liz, your sister your friend, I am still your wife, your mum, my love will never end. Don’t say – I wish or I regret or it’s not fair, say thank you and I was lucky, to have had time to share. Where am I now? That’s your thought to dwell, just know I am happy, because of you, all is well.

Easter Bingo …

… was well supported, it was nice to see some new faces, and hope everybody enjoyed the evening. Thank you all for your support. We will resume bingo in October.