My memories of Brenda will always revolve around the very happy times I
spent working with Bill at Greater Manchester BIC (not a ball point pen
factory but we did use quite a lot of them!).  As Tameside MBC was one of the main partners, Brenda would quite often call into our offices at Denton although I was never quite sure whether this was on "Official Business" or she was just checking that Bill wasn't listening to the test cricket!  I have vivid memories of the "expeditions" to India and Poland - when Bill and Brenda became "Millionaires" and their obvious concern (and amazement) of the way of life and poverty in parts of India.  Having also had the pleasure of meeting Brenda socially, I will always remember her as being a straightforward, no nonsense lady with a great natural warmth, a real "people" person who undoubtedly put her family first - a wonderful wife and mother to all.  God Bless and as they say, may she enjoy a well deserved rest! - Mike Ashcroft

My memories of Brenda are of her always being available to give you a helping hand without thought of repayment. There are many examples of this but some that more readily spring to mind are:
1. Providing transportation for the new Student to get him to York University.
2. Providing the "taxi" service to allow parents to visit said undergraduate and bring him food parcels to supplement college diet.
3. Giving friend and his girlfriend a lift back to Stockport after Baby sitting Sarah & Simon. Although the interrogation as to why the evening had been an embarrassment for me was a bit uncomfortable.
4. Always willing to provide accommodation for my girlfriend (now Wife) on her sorties north to visit me.
5. Dropping everything at short notice and coming to the rescue when I crashed the little Morris Mini Traveller (mentioned elsewhere in the memoirs) and wrote it off and last but by no means least
6. Helping the newly qualified graduate get a job.
I am sure Bill assisted in the above and I will always be grateful to them both. Brenda will be sadly missed. I often wonder how people manage to put so much into helping others as well as leading their own busy and happy lives but one thing is for sure Brenda managed it. - Brian

Brenda was a much loved sister in law and friend to Derek and myself I always enjoyed our long chats and laughs together. Her hospitality was second to none and both her and Bill always made me very welcome. The things I will remember most about Brenda are, her sense of humour, her thoughtfulness her great Christmas dinners which I was privileged to attend for a good number of years. But mostly I will remember Brenda for her devotion to her family and I am proud to say that I am in that family - Barbara

As the years advance I can't remember much about the work, (we did plenty)- but clearly recall the Christmas parties! Including sobering up our boss; comatose at 4:30 and speaking at full Council at 6:00! - Sandy Booth

Brenda - well what can I say, she was brill, my best mate for many many years.  I'll always remember her, - cig in mouth, factor something - HIGH in one hand and Simon in the other - trying to save him from sun burn on Amroth rocks back in the  early 80's.  And later she was always there for me, even in my darkest hours!! both she and Bill saved my sanity way back then, and I'll never forget that. I owe her and Bill so much, I can never put it into words, but I only hope that she knew how much it meant to me.  Brenda was always so organised, everything was covered, she always made you feel so welcome and expected, nothing was too much trouble for her. To those young granddaughters, who maybe only knew Granma  when she was possibly not in the best of health - but not long ago she was so full of life and energy it was hard to keep up with her - she had such an enthusiasm for everything she did.  So girls, take a leaf  out of your grans book and meet life and all it throws at you full on - and kick it into touch!! and just say thanks gran! we love you so much! - as we all do. - Yvonne Strange

HELLO GIRLS
No one was happier than your Grandma when you girls arrived. To be able to see more of you she left the hills of Wales and moved to the flats of Lincolnshire. As it turned out this move made Grandma happier than she had been in years because she was able to walk into the village to have her hair done, walk round the towns to do her shopping and walk to the pub to enjoy a meal and drink with your Grandpa. She loved watching you Abigail and Isabelle splashing around in the "big bath" and the "little ones" having a bath in "Grandmas bath". She loved her new house and the gardens where she watched you playing. From now on you will hear lots about Grandma - lots of tales to tell. No-one will ever forget her, and we will all miss her very much. But, girls, Grandma won't want you to be sad. She will want you to be happy. Running about and giggling when you go to Grandpa's and it will be your job to keep him out of trouble. So be good and be happy and we will see you soon. Love Great Aunty Jan & Great Uncle Dave xxxx

Our memories of Brenda stem from her being Bill's wife and as such a fully paid up member of the 'Social Club' as well as having to support Bill during the traumas of setting up Tameside. For completeness the other members of the team were Peter & Carol Bishop, Mike & Christine Halls, Chris & Freda Slough, Linda & Max Lawton with Vivienne and myself. Brenda, Christine and Peter will now have been re-united. As a person Brenda had a very dominant personality, never frightened to express her opinion (did not suffer fools gladly, I thought it was worth repeating) but also prepared to listen. She was however a very caring person and if anyone had a problem she would do her best to help. Above all she was a very vibrant person, full of energy and always looked on the bright side bringing sunshine into every room she entered. - Vivienne & David.