Tribute to Carol Matthews, 1948 - 2023

Carol and I had been initially colleagues, and then friends for around 33 years. We were drawn together because those we worked with in Harrow Education Department didn’t really understand our roles, but we understood each other’s work priorities, and could offer each other moral support.

After we left Harrow our career paths diverged, but we always kept in touch and met up whenever possible. We enjoyed our days out at National Trust Properties, we had picnics, and visited galleries in London.

After my husband died, Carol and Alan came to visit me in Dorset for summertime weekends. We walked by the sea and went bird watching (Carol and Alan much more knowledgeable than I am ) Our last visit was to Corfe Castle and I have a happy memory  of a leisurely picnic in the churchyard there.

In alternate years I would stay with Carol in Kingston and we spent many pleasant hours in London. So it was at the end of July this year that, in the space of two days,  Carol and I went to two operas at Covent Garden, visited four galleries and managed a meal in Chinatown. The next day we walked in the Surrey Hills. It felt as if we were young again, and this is why Carol’s sudden passing is such a shock. The memories of these few days are very precious and I shall always treasure them.

Carol was a wonderful companion, highly intelligent, sharp and witty. She had a breadth of interest and intellectual curiosity, as well as deep knowledge of the arts, particularly music. She was such good company and I shall miss the times we shared, our conversations, and above all our long lasting friendship.