On Saturday, 11th April 2026, a typical Spring day with a mix of showers, sunshine, and blue skies, a very special group of people gathered to say goodbye to their beloved Lesley, her dogs, and to celebrate the life of this incredible lady.

The day began with close family (Chris, Richard, Debbie, Macland, Jordan, Lynn, Eugen, Pete, Natalija, Zoe, and Les' close friend Paul) meeting at the beautiful Dignity pet crematorium, where Lesley, and her three dogs, Guinness, Brew, and Bailey, were being laid to rest.  Lesley had chosen Dignity with its pretty gardens and natural woodland as their final resting place, and had planted a Camelia bush to mark their spot, which she had visited several times before her very sad passing in October 2025.

The Meadow Room by the woodland area was the gathering point for the family, and I made sure that they had a warm welcome and explained what would happen during this part of the day.  This was a particularly special morning, as the family had not been together in the same place to say goodbye properly, as they are all living in different parts of the World, so this was a really meaningful moment.

The weather held and remained dry as I led the family out to the plot that Lesley had reserved, and we gathered around, with the four caskets of ashes, shared memories, and some loving words.  I then took a step back and created space for the family to be alone together, to share some of their own words, and to liberate some of the feelings that they'd understandably had building up in the absence of a proper goodbye.

"Whilst today Les is with three of her dogs, her lovely Tiggy is still wagging her tail and in a fabulous new forever home which suits her just perfectly.  I know that she had bought a big enough plot for Tiggy, but Les was so happy that Lynn was able to find such a wonderful new place to call home."

The caskets were placed in the plot with the Camellia bush watching over them all, and as the family bid a final farewell to Les, Guinness, Brew, and Bailey, the sun came out, marking the end of the goodbye and the start of the celebration of her life.

"Her energy lit up a room, she was deeply connected to others, her network of friends and acquaintances is spread far and wide, and she leaves us all with a melody that lingers in her absence. 

Les made her mark; the World knew that she was here. "

oOo

Everyone then headed to the nearby Elvetham Hotel, where friends and their families came together, to join Les' close family, some not seeing one another for over 25 years.  It was a wonderful gathering of people, and the chatter and laughter as they all greeted each other was absolutely wonderful.  It would have been just what Les would have wanted.  A collection of her favourite people, all together, having fun, laughing at the memories and humorous stories, and sharing food and drinks in her honour.

"I know that Chris, Rich, Debbie, Paul and Hannah have all helped to organise today, and I know that Les would have been proud of the day that you have put together for her."

With the most wonderful live musical accompaniment from Harvey, a great friend of Les, the afternoon was complete with photos on the table kindly provided by one of Les' car enthusiast friends, and a reel of images put together with the help of Les' nephew Richard.

After a very special collection of stories shared by Les' family and her friends, the celebrations continued with a fabulous afternoon tea.  As I left, I could hear the echo of conversations and laughter down the hallway and into the reception.

What an absolute honour to hear all about Les, and to be able to share some of the memories and stories with those who knew and loved her the most.  The magnificent story of a life well lived, by a woman who was well loved.

"To Les, know that you were loved, you were admired, you were inspiring, and an energy that powered others to embrace life.

Today, we celebrate you, for you shall be missed.  

To Les!"