As The English Apple Man progresses into his eighties (83 & counting) sadly we lose friends. They may be family, close friends or members of the farming fraternity that 'one' has worked with and where friendships have developed.
Over the last few years The English Apple Man has attended and paid homage to many friends who have enriched many lives with their personality, their farming and personal achievements that go beyond their daily lives and bring happiness to those within their social circle.
Below: Lesley and Sandys Dawes
This week I attended the funeral of a great lady; Lesley Ellen Dawes 'chatelaine' of Mount Ephraim House and gardens where the Dawes family settled more than 300 years ago. The funeral service was held in St. Michaels Church in Herne Hill.
In a tribute to her mother from daughter Lucy:
"Mum first came to Mount Ephraim in the late 1960s, having travelled overland and sea from Australia with Dad whom she met at Melbourne university. From a more humble background in Ballarat near Melbourne, I know mum found it a little daunting at first, but it came to be where she would call home.
The gardens were first opened in 1985, and even though mum was a microbiologist by background, she threw her heart and soul into the gardens and opened a tea room for the visitors. Garden events followed, then outdoor theatre, weddings and festivals. Nothing was ever too much for mum, dad and Miz to try". (Miz was Lucy's Grandma Mary Dawes)
With five kids, a large extended family and many, many friends from all over the world, we filled the house with joy and laughter, a little bit of mischief, and so much fun".
Below: St. Michael's Church, Hernhill, Kent
This Church is not large, but very beautiful inside. I arrived at 11.30am with a few like minded souls doing the same. It was an opportunity to meet and share memories of Lesley and her children with friends of hers and her children.
The service was conducted by the Rev Catherine Ngangira with Eulogies from friends and family. Tributes from her daughters and son reflected the character of Lesley who one could describe as 'a live wire' as a young woman Lesley trained and became a Microbiologist
Sandys life changed when he was at University in Melbourne and met his future wife Lesley. On returning to England he took up teaching as a profession and taught in Bexhill in East Sussex, before venturing back 'down under' to teach in Melbourne.
The inspiration for his desire to teach in the antipodes was of course, 'Lesley'
Fast forward to 1977 and a career change beckoned, Sandys got involved in the farm. In 1982 with the passing of his father, Sandys took over the Mount Ephraim estate.
Prior to moving into Mount Ephraim, Lesley and Sandys lived at The Orchard on the edge of the estate.
In one of the tributes to Lesley it was revealed that Lesley shared with a close friend (in colourful language) there is one thing I don't want to do; "move into that '-------' great house!
But of course Lesley and Sandys with 4 children by then, made the move with Sandys running the farm and estate and Lesley running the 'Big House'
A very important part of activities at Mount Ephraim is the use of house and garden for wedding events, corporate activities, and many other opportunities to enjoy a happy occasion in the Edwardian Mansion and surrounding gardens and estate.
The driving force behind the provision of weddings events was Lesley, and much credit must be given to her for the quality of Mount Ephraim's entertainment portfolio. Today her daughter Lucy has taken on the role of running this family venture while brother Will runs the farm and estate.
Quoted: A few cherished memories off Lesley.
A "warm and kind" woman who "threw her heart and soul" into setting up a beautiful manor house and gardens has died aged 80.
Lesley Dawes, who "if you met you would never forget" opened Mount Ephraim Gardens in Hernhill, Faversham, with her husband of 54 years, Sandys, in 1985.
"Mum and dad were the incredible force behind it."
Lucy describes her late parent as eccentric and honest, adding: "You could say she had no filter.
"She was also warm, kind, and so much fun.
"We know mum will be missed by many and mourned deeply by her family.
"I always say, if you met her, you didn't forget her, and I know she will have touched the lives of many of our neighbours, visitors, staff, wedding guests and suppliers over the years.
For my part I feel honoured to have known Lesley and this celebration of her life was a truly uplifting experience, clearly family were central to her life. Her children, grandchildren and a great grandchild all present and bonding in their mixed emotions of saddnes and joy for their lost loved one.
Below: "A lasting Legacy: Lesley and Sandys in their garden at Mount Ephraim
Click on: Home page for Mount Ephraim Country House & Gardens
ANNOUNCEMENT
Sadly - Hugh Curtis passed away very recently at the age of 93. Hugh was for many years Head of Quality Assurance at Home Grown Fruit, before retiring in 1996.
A Funeral Service and Cremation will take place on Wednesday 9th July 12pm at Barham Crematorium Canterbury Road CT4 6QU . Afterwards a Wake will be held at Victoria Hotel, London Road, Canterbury CT2 8JY.
That's all for this week
Take care
The English Apple Man