We bought the house next-door to Beryl and Phil in 1986 before we moved overseas; and took up residency in 1994 when we returned to the UK. Over the years Beryl and Phil became an extension of our family and we loved them to bits. Beryl was my dear friend, a mum to me, a grandma to my two children and, most importantly, an inspiration to me throughout the years.  We enjoyed many birthday celebrations and meals together with a glass of bubbles, or two.

I was in my early 40s when we moved next-door, but as the years slowly went by I would say to Beryl "I want to be like you when I grow up". I loved her constant optimism  - her cup was always half full; her wisdom; her zest for life and her wonderful sense of humour. Beryl would say to me "I am going to take you to my keep fit class when you retire". When the time came, Beryl duly reminded me. I was truly humbled to see so many elderly ladies enjoying their workout and most with far more supple limbs than mine. I haven't looked back since that day. Beryl's love for exercise and movement was inspiring, as a former member of the League of Health and Beauty. When work took me overseas again from 2003-2005, Beryl was determined to keep in close contact and thus embarked on learning how to send emails via the computer.  Our long chats on the telephone were a joy as she kept me informed of all her news.

It was a sad day when we moved away from Croydon and Beryl and Phil waved us off from their doorstep. But we continued to enjoy our visits and their visits to us until the disruption of the pandemic.  We both grieved the loss of our beloved husbands in spring 2020.

My family and I have been blessed by her love and friendship over many years and we will miss her.  God bless you Beryl.