Claire my friend. One of my first memories is of us age 5, just started school, I hated it so in protest I refused to answer the register. Until one day I found myself sitting next to Claire on the back row of the story corner, engrossed in our chatter my name was called and I answered by mistake, Claire and I looked at each other and giggled. From then on I had to answer but school wasn’t so bad anymore as I had made a friend Claire and we have remained friends ever since. In 1996 I was touched when Claire asked me to make her wedding dress for her big day. She knew exactly what she wanted, and she looked perfect. Artery living in London, I found myself looking for somewhere to live and I chose Colchester because Claire lived there and it had a connection with home. I managed to buy a house just across the road from her. I then married a few years later in Colchester at the church up the road from us. Claire lived the fact that she, Miles and Piers were the only guest who did not have to travel. Although I can not be at the funeral because of a large family holiday, I think she more than anyone knows how important these times are creating lasting happy, memories with the ones we live forever. I am sure Miles and Piers have many. I will be having a Lisa and Claire classic teatime favourite of beans on toast with an egg on top in her memory. Will miss her always, but she will always be in my thoughts. Lisa x