Babs was born in 1916 in Peckham - what she described as “Del Boys” area. Cycling was a great pleasure - especially bumping over the tram lines on her way to work.
Bab’s great friend, Gladys, lived in Southsea, and on one of her visits to the beach, she found a pair of sandals. She picked them up and threw them into the sea but they turned out to belong to Joe - who she later married.
They lived in Shakespeare Road, Portsmouth but not for long. Babs came to Waterlooville, saw some houses being built, fell in love with them, sorted out an exchange and moved here in 1953.
Joe and Babs joined St George’s and ran social events in the Hall. They were great dancers - not just here but in holiday camps too. Joe, incidentally, died 25 years ago.
Babs delivered what she called “the bloody magazines” [St George’s News] but it turns out she didn’t just pop them through doors - she knocked and went in for sherry.
Hazel, Jan and Lynda describe their Mum as wonderful and loving. She taught them to skip using the clothes line and she found them jobs as well. Even if they didn’t like it, Babs told them “No question, you’re going”.
She loved her family - quite a spread it is. Three daughters here and David, her son, in Australia. Some of her four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren are also in America, and Babs went to both Australia and the States to see them. To her grandchildren, she was known as “Granny Apples”!
Babs was vibrant, funny and a super, special Mother. Her death has left a hole in the hearts of her family, but with smiles full of fond memories.
