Tribute to Carol Matthews, 1948 - 2023

What a beautiful service it was today. I was very sad not to be able to attend in person, so was really glad to be able to watch the live stream. 

Carol was a really important person in my life, particularly in my younger years and at university in London. As a child I would always be excited knowing that she was coming to stay, as she always made us feel special. She had an amazing way with children, not overbearing (as Lucy said in today's service, she had a real calm about her) and always had something interesting to say. She knew how to make conversation with you, no matter how young you were. She also had the best taste in presents, and hers were always some of the best!

I went to art school in London, and it was around that time that Carol and I started having our own friendship outside of her friendship with my parents. We would meet up and see exhibitions, or go for a coffee and a catch up. Carol had strong opinions and wasn't afraid to share them, and as a young and newly politically aware student, I loved these meetings. I also saw her as a role model for a bold woman who wasn't afraid to stand up for herself in a male-dominated world. Particularly one with short hair like mine!

We also bonded over our love of birdwatching, and I will never forget a visit to Pulborough Brooks nature reserve with her and Alan, to listen to nightingales. 

Carol was very sad when I moved to Glasgow, and expressed a strong wish not to lose touch. I wish I had been better able to keep in touch with her through emails and messages. As it was, the years since Martyn and I moved to Glasgow have been filled with challenges and turbulence, so sadly that didn't happen. I was overjoyed to see Carol and Alan at our wedding last year, and am so glad that we managed to catch up on the phone shortly afterwards. I had been meaning to get in touch with her again recently, and now can only regret that I left it too late. I will always have brilliant memories of spending time with her, and want to thank her for being such a guiding light in my early years. I will miss her very much, and can take comfort in the thought that she can finally see my Dad again, as they were very close. Right now they are probably grumbling about the state of the world together!

Sending lots of love to you Carol, and also to Alan at this horrendous time. 

Katy xxx