Claire Cowley (9 Nov 1951 - 19 Sep 2018)

I first met Claire in 1973 when Nick and I went canoeing in Dartmoor. She was always quick to smile and laugh, very kind and generous and loved her horses and dogs, we had a lot of laughs together in the short time I knew her. I'm sad we lost touch. To Rupert, as you know from losing Cynthia I have some understanding of how you must feel, I saw this on a headstone in Ireland and thought how true "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal"

Mac and I have such wonderful memories of such a lovely lady. We were so privileged to be present at her wedding with Nick and Ros too. Rupert your support with all the family must have been just so comforting to Claire. Playing squash at Leckford, walking round the orchards at Leckford, admiring her wonderful garden and enjoying fun times with them all. The dogs always about snuffling in the garden. I learned more about gardening than I can ever explain from watching Claire who was so knowledgeable on her plants and took such pride in sharing her wisdom with all. Her clematis remain a very important part of my life and I will always grow them wherever I live. Thank you all for letting us share her life.