Remembering Margaret Bishop We know that there will be many tributes to Margaret, who sadly passed away on 9th May, as she has been such a huge part of life within the Mannings Heath community for many years; but we would also like to pay our own tribute to such an amazing lady. Margaret was a member of Mannings Heath WI for over 20 years. During that time, she served in many roles within the committee, including Treasurer and for four years as our President. Margaret’s generosity and hospitality were immense. She happily opened up her home and garden for our July summer parties, allowing members to enjoy spending time in her beautiful garden. In true WI style, she was also an excellent baker and made the most delicious cakes. She was always so supportive of not only our members but of the wider WI institution, being secretary of the Weald Group, attending West Sussex and National Federation meetings, wherever they took place in the country. Margaret was also a great champion for Denman College, the NFWI education learning centre. Margaret was one of life’s givers, always willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. She believed in leading by example. Her commitment, hard work, support and generosity of spirit has made Mannings Heath WI the great success it is today. She will always be held in very high regard and greatly missed by us all

As a church community we were very sad to hear of Margaret’s death. Many of us may remember her as a GP locum (some 25 years ago). From the day Margaret moved to Mannings Heath she has been a key member of the Sunday Morning services at COGS, attending with faithful regularity. She was always among the first to arrive, and her innovative ideas for the breakfasts such as warm croissants, seasonal specials and festive serviettes, as well as her management of the meals from start to finish were really special. She was also a regular at our monthly informal services at COGS, as well as serving on the PCC, even during her illness, and the Charitable Giving Group. It was Margaret’s innovative idea to collect gifts for mothers in families suffering difficult circumstances, where no Mothering Sunday treats would be possible. This set us on the road to collecting suitable gifts such as toiletries and chocolates during Lent. These gifts have been taken to Family Support Work (FSW) in Brighton, often by Margaret, and distributed to families in time for Mothering Sunday. Over the years we have done this, hundreds of items have been donated. RIP, Margaret.

Sad to hear of Auntie Margaret's passing and may she now rest in peace with Uncle Douglas. I have fond memories of her and her family during reunions in England and Canada that I will always remember. Condolences to her children and UK extended family. Owen Slater