My memories of Margot go back to August 1972 when we moved next door to her and Malc, Clare and Chris, in Maynards Green.  We soon established, through a conversation over the garden fence, that we had been at school together at Lady Eleanor Holles School in Hampton (although not in the same year group).  At that time we had one daughter, Bridget, who was about the same age as Chris and as time went on we had our son, James.  Margot kindly agreed to become his godmother and our two families had many, many happy holidays together, first in tents and then caravans.
 
When James was about 6 months old we had a memorable camping trip to Abergynolwyn.  Vic remembers Margot galvanizing him and Malc to accompany her on a climb up Cader Idris before breakfast!  Granny Gin and I remained to look after the children!  Even then a boat was involved – a small dinghy known as the Pink Whale.
 
Boats went on to become a more important part of their lives.  Firstly ‘Needless Expense’ on the Medway, followed by ‘More Needless Expense’ and then ‘Sheer Extravagance’.  It was on one of these boats that we met them one summer holiday on Loch Lomond.  They had towed their boat up there and launched it, whilst we caravanned on the banks.  Every day we would explore another part of the Loch until one evening Margot thought it would be great for the 4 children to camp out on one of the many uninhabited islands, whilst they slept on the boat and we returned to our caravan.  However, I think James ended up on the boat too as he was ejected by the older children!!
 
Later it became obvious that a change of lifestyle was needed and ‘Necessity’ was purchased.  We were able to meet up with them in various parts of the country and several times at Foxton Locks – most memorably for their Silver Wedding Anniversary.  The fun, laughter and games from these holidays will remain with us all.
 
With love from the Humphrey family – Sue, Vic, Bridget and James