Jennifer Bull (11 Jun 1944 - 22 May 2022)

When we moved to Haven Gardens in 2006, Jenny was the first of our new neighbours to come and see us and invite us for tea. She and Barry became such good friends, so much so that we joked about having a gate put into our fence so we could see more of them! We visited them in Mudeford after their move, and had some fantastic times with them. We miss Jenny sorely, such a kind, warm and welcoming person.Our condolences to all the family, and we were very sad not to be able to attend Jenny's funeral as we were away on holiday.

Tribute to Jenny Bull given at her funeral on 13/7/22.

There was always a welcome in any of Jenny & Barry’s homes. I visited four. Those in Vicarage Road, & Haven Gardens, Crawley Down, their flat at Sandbanks & finally their home a Friars Cliff, Mudeford. My daughter Ruth baby sat for Jenny & one night, knowing the boys were tucked up safely in bed she heard a noise from another bedroom. Carefully opening the door she was panic stricken to see a boney, skinny hand waving to her from between the wall & the bed. She was not aware that one of Barry’s parents was staying & had fallen out of bed & needed help!

But my first lasting memory was at their first home in Crawley Down, Pinewood, Vicarage Road. My late wife Eileen & I moved to Crawley Down in 1974. For 2 years we continued to commute on Sundays to our previous church in Three Bridges, but we gradually got involved in an independent house group in Hillside, Crawley Down. We met for prayer & Bible study each week. I forget if Jenny & Barry were involved.

After some months we needed to decide on the future of the group. We had a week of specific prayer about this. The Lord split up the group & we felt led to join All Saints’ Church. In 1975 Archbishop Cogan issued a “Call to the nation” & part of that was a challenge that each church should have a house group. The Vicar of Crawley Down, Rev. Graham Bryant, decided All Saints’ should have a house group & Jenny & Barry hosted the first meeting in their home at Pinewood, Vicarage Road. Eileen & I went along. Our previous house group had shut the Wednesday before the new group started. We never missed a week!  Such is The Lord’s perfect timing! That Wednesday House Group continued for over 40 years under various leaders, including Barry. It only closed when we ran out of leaders because of removal, death or old age.

Through the house group we got to know Barry & Jenny. Eileen & I found ourselves leading part of the church children’s & young people’s work. We had both done this in previous churches & did not then know that the Vicar was praying for new Sunday School teachers! Eventually Barry & Jenny joined us & the late Stanley & Barbara White as leaders of Pathfinders, a teenage group. Although some of us had years of experience in church youth work, Jenny was the only qualified teacher amongst us. We worked well together for years.

Eventually Barry joined me as a Reader & our direct youth involvement ceased.

But I was also involved with Jenny in The Open Door Group. I have tried to research my far too numerous files. I see Open Door was founded as a result of discussion in 2003 between the then Vicar,  Rev. Jon Hale, & the Pastoral Team. In 2003/4 we set up Pastoral Visitors, including Jenny & myself, & from that came the idea of a Bereavement Support Group which became known as the Open Door Support Group (subsequently just Open Door Group). I had been involved in the planning but not running of it or attending, as my wife, Eileen, did not die until 2005. But soon after her death I was invited to attend.

The Vicar was nominally in charge of the group but it was not well attended. I can’t find the PCC minute but I distinctly remember him saying that in view of the poor attendance he would close it. Jenny objected & agreed to coordinate it. Soon she had a small committee helping her, of which I was one. We varied the time & nature of the meetings. A feature of her leadership was outings. She & Barry took the Group twice to Eastbourne, to Midhurst, Cowfold, Nymans, Sheffield Park & Wakehurst Place, to name a few. Jenny continued as Coordinator until her move to Dorset. Only then did we realise how much she was doing. Her Coordinator’s job became split between the late Janet Rayner and then Sue Pearson as Secretary & myself  as Chairman. But for Jenny the Group would have closed. But since we recommenced after Covid, 52 different people have attended with an average attendance of just under 30. Jenny’s work was worth while, quite apart from rescuing a very large tea pot for us from the skip outside the old parish rooms!

I know Jenny was also involved in “Network” which, until insurance considerations stopped it, provided valuable transport & practical assistance to people needing help in the village. My wife helped Network but I was not directly involved.

I hope this all indicates what a good hardworking colleague Jenny was. Besides which she was a real friend. I greatly appreciated my two visits to stay at Friars Cliff. The boat trip up river was particularly memorable.

In all this Jenny loved & served Our Lord Jesus Christ. We read in Romans 8 that nothing shall separate us from the love of Christ … neither death nor life… nor anything else in all creation, For Jenny she is now absent from her body & at home with The Lord.

Again my condolences & sympathy to all the family and thank you Lord God for Jenny & all she meant to us

I was so sad to hear the tragic news about Jenny. When I think of Jenny, I see a happy, smiling, very caring face looking back at me, normally with a tray full of scrumptious cakes in her hands ! She ( and Barry ) had the kindest of hearts and shared their kindness and generosity of their time with the people around them, particularly those who were living alone in and around Crawley Down ( my dear Dad being one of them ). Jenny , you were one of life's good people, who will be sadly missed. Thank you for everything you did. xxx

Hi for those attending the funeral tomorrow, please feel free to wear whatever you are comfortable in. Mum would have been happy for people to be in colour or traditional, whatever each person prefers. It is going to be hot so gentleman don’t feel obliged to wear a jacket and if you do then feel free to take it off. Please feel free pass this message on.
Thanks
Kevin

In Memory of Jenny Bull

Jenny was such a warm and friendly person. I feel blest to have known Jenny and Barry as part of the All Saints Community. Such an inspiration.
Love to all Jenny’s family and friends
Amanda

Jenny touched many people’s hearts , especially ours.She was a wonderful role model to our three children and Godmother to our eldest daughter Hannah.
We all miss her very much but will cherish the memories we have of her .

I sadly am unable to attend on Wednesday due to work, but my love, thoughts and prayers go to all family and friends of this very special lady. Jenny's kindness and support when my own parents moved to Poundhill and attended All Saints was so very generous They loved the Open Door groups and when my mum's health failed it was this group lead by Jenny and Barry that got my Dad out and about.
Jenny and Barry were always so kind and supportive as I taught the children in Sunday School, rejoicing fondly in the many ways we used paper plates as our craft resource. Thank you for sharing both Jenny and Barry with so many of us. Much love Sandra, Mick, Katie and family xxx

David and I were on Holiday with Jenny which sadly was to be her last, on the Rhine in Germany.
The first evening we arrived she was so happy and relaxed and looking forward to the various ports of call over the next two weeks. This sadly wasn’t to be and still I can’t believe what was to come so soon. I shall remember for ever how I I lost my best friend and the times we spent together in Mudeford, may you rest in peace.
Barbara and David

Dear Kevin

Further to my earlier email this afternoon here are few more names of those who have asked to be on Jenny's memory list

Ann Maynard

Beryl Malcomber

Carol Goodwin

Elizabeth Tingley

Jan Finch

Judy Turner

Ruby Pelling

Although Jenny has been on her own now for a few years I have found it hard to separate Jenny & Barry, such very special people & a great partnership. A more thoughtful, caring couple I have not met. Nothing was too much trouble they were always willing to go the second mile cheerfully & their deep Christian faith was also demonstrated in a very practical way. The warmth of their hospitality was appreciated by so many of us.

I remember the thoroughly enjoyable Open Door coach outings they organised & the trouble they went to to ensure everything went smoothly & give us all a lovely day out. There was one occasion when departure was considerably delayed because the booking form numbers did not tally with the number assembled to embark. After much deliberation I think the discrepancy was due to the fact that someone had invited a friend at the last minute but unfortunately forgot to mention it to either of them !



They were both greatly missed when they left us to start a new life in Christchurch. Their friendship with us continued & warm invitations were extended to spend happy times with them & be introduced to that lovely part of Dorset.

How blessed we have been to have such incredible friends & our memories will always live on.

Valerie and Bill are very sorry to hear of Jenny's passing. We remember her always thinking of others before herself. We had an enjoyable SAGA holiday in Madeira with Jenny and Barry some years ago and even then, Jenny would always ensure that the single people on the trip were never alone even though she had never met them
before. Our love to all the family.

David and June are deeply sorry to hear of Jenny's passing. Jenny and Barry were Godparents to our Grandaughter Emma, and she and Catherine send their love to all the family. We treasure the friendship we had, through church, Housegroup and as friends and neighbours. Jenny's support and care for everyone will always be in our memory. With love to all Jenny's family June and David.

I am attending: John and Janet Longhurst

Jenny was a very special friend, who supported me in many ways over the years. She aways took a great interest in our family. She and Barry went to both our daughters’ weddings, because they felt that Jenny and Barry were part of their lives growing up. Whenever my parents came to stay, Jenny always invited them round for a cup of tea, which was very much appreciated. To know that she was so loved must be a great comfort to you Philip, Kevin, Sarah and Harry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you all. Lots of love George and Sue.xxxx.