Extraordinary
JUST days before the end of my sister Ann’s life, she said to me: ‘You won’t forget me, will you?’ How could I ever forget her zest for life, independent spirit and extravagant dress sense? Ann was my elder by only 15 months. Our father’s job meant the family moved around the country a lot when we were growing up and we girls went to a number of different schools. I often wonder if this inspired Ann’s love of travel. In 1967, she left school and began her working life in London. She spent a lot of her spare time and money in trendy boutiques, with Biba being her favourite. Fashion was a big part of Ann’s life. She enjoyed wearing flamboyant outfits, particularly in red, together with statement jewellery and a co-ordinating hat. In 1969, she met Tony and her adventures really began. She returned with him to his home in South Africa, a country that became dear to her heart. A few years later, they returned to the UK and married at Kensington register office. Their thirst for adventure saw them emigrate to Australia. They left from Southampton as £10 Poms on a ship that took six weeks to arrive in
Sydney. Ann spent most of the voyage suffering with morning sickness. The first of her four children — three daughters and a son — was born in June 1973. After gaining an arts degree, Ann embarked on a career as a recruitment manager for Australian higher education establishments. It involved travel in the Far East including Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, India and China, which she loved. She was busier than ever in retirement, taking up travel writing and restaurant reviews. Ann was also devoted to her ten grandchildren. Being an avid knitter, she made them many wonderful creations, which were not always appropriate for the Australian climate! Ann was a formidable cook and a connoisseur of good food and wine. She decided to spend half of the year in France, giving her the chance to enjoy its culinary delights and ambience. She also wanted to refresh her French language skills and persuaded me to do likewise. I was thrilled to spend more time with her. When she visited me for five weeks over Christmas and New Year, we enjoyed our shared interests of travel, theatre and genealogy. Just a few months later, the family was devastated when Ann was diagnosed with an invasive cancer. Ever positive, she was still planning her next travels during her final weeks.