Brenda Hughes was a child born in 1920; in and of the Rhondda. She often gave the impression that she wished to leave the Welsh valleys behind her; but, in her latter years, with the effects of Alzheimer’s, many of her more vivid memories centred on these formative years around Treforest, Rhydfelin and Pontypridd. 1920 saw the implementation of the 18th Amendment to the US Constitution. Yes - she was born towards the beginning of Prohibition, which only lasted for 13 years, whilst she adopted it as her lifestyle for the next 90. Her early years in Wales provided the grounding for her beautiful singing voice. It was rarely given free rein in adulthood because of her natural reticence to take centre-stage. Yet, when she was alone in a room with some chore to be done – preparing a meal, or her particular favourite, tackling a pile of ironing – she could burst forth into a rendition of a song or two ……… none of which we could ever identify. Raised in a period of austerity she, like many of her peers, learned to appreciate what she had rather than yearn for what she didn’t have. As a child she had been taught the traditional handicrafts of embroidery, tapestry and knitting; these she employed for the benefit of the family for so many years – even until she was 80. Brenda grew into a young woman who possessed impeccable manners, a respect for others and a strong desire to be helpful to those around her. Surely it was no surprise to those who knew her that she trained and was working as a nurse when she met Dad during the War. We have found telegrams sent to her in Bath during 1942 from Jum whilst serving overseas; these were addressed first to Miss Brenda Hughes and then to Mrs Arthur Piedot. Those must have been frightful and heady days for them both. But, Brenda was not always separated from Jum by the Atlantic during the war. Graham was born in May 1944 - just in time, but not advanced enough, for the D-Day landings in the June. Pete followed just over 2 years later; Sue arrived in 1950 and Sal, ruining a perfect binary rhythm by 1 year, popped out in 1959. So, Brenda became Mum; and Jum became Dad; and the family blossomed. Mum gave up nursing to become a full-time mother and home-maker whilst Dad travelled in his Civil Service role around the UK and around the globe. Whilst Dad was away, Mum coped with bringing up the children; they were always watered, fed and (if you ignored the space behind Pet’s ears) spotless. She was a wonderful cook; my waistline is ample testament to that, despite a disappointingly long time since she was last able to satisfy me in that respect. In time, Mum took on the job of doctors’ receptionist as well. She was much appreciated by the doctors and patients for her efficiency, devotion and caring manners. She in turn enjoyed being able to help others as she was naturally inclined to do. As she had done herself so many years before, the children grew up and left home to make lives of their own. Mum and Dad spent the week in their flat in Wandsworth and the weekend in their cottage in Cambridgeshire. That was where I first met them and it was always a pleasure to go there (and not just for the suet puddings?) Retirement followed for them both and the cottage became their sole residence. Whilst it seemed a trek to travel up there, they would leave at the drop of a hat to come and help out. Nothing was too much trouble for them; particularly when it came to the grandchildren, although Mum often was left to do the caring as Dad went back to look after the cottage. We were delighted when they moved down to Kent to be nearer us and quite upset when they moved back to March. Unfortunately, that return trip was only shortly before Dad passed on and we had fear for Mum’s ability to cope without him. Thanks to the local church, Mum found her feet and became a welcome part of that community. She loved her garden and enjoyed outings with others from the Mothers Union. Still, she was always thrilled at visits from the family. And it was during this period that we noticed an independent spirit, not displayed when Dad was around, and a wonderful sense of humour that had previously been hidden from us. It took some persuading to get Mum to move back South again and it was a blessing to be able to find a house for her in New Ash Green - so near to most of her children. She was very happy when she realised that there was an almost unlimited supply of ironing nearby. In the early years of her new life down here she underwent her first hip replacement, almost with gusto, and she enjoyed the freedom of movement it brought afterwards. She had both eyes treated for cataracts and, if you will pardon the expression, never blinked at the prospect nor looked back as her world re-opened before her. Unfortunately, Mum developed Alzheimer’s at the start of the Millennium although it was not diagnosed as such for a year or two. Happily, it was not overtly apparent for some time and, as it was only the short-term memory that was tragically affected, the joy for us all is that she remembered all of the family. In these later years, she bore many medical problems with an admirable fortitude and was quite prepared for her second hip replacement operation at the age of 90. Whilst the immediate picture of her will be of a frail but serene-looking little old lady, she was indomitable of spirit and welcoming of nature. She is already sadly missed by her friends and the staff at the day centre she attended regularly on Mondays and Fridays. None shall miss Mum more than us and we can only hope that she now finds eternal happiness in the company of the angels who shared her with us for so long. God bless her.