I was deeply saddened to hear the news that Mrs Watkinson's cousin Joan Minnitt had passed away last month at the wonderful age of 99 years old.

We have always kept in touch from when I started here in 1978 and Three Owls founder; Eileen Watkinson MBE was admirably running the sanctuary with just a handful of volunteers and a couple of staff, and whom herself sadly passed away in 1995 and is buried here on the Home Reserve.

Joan and I would regularly exchange letters, and keep each other abreast of what was going on both in the charity and family circles, and of her own life in Winscombe, and it will be especially poignant this year being so close to Christmas.

She will be very sadly missed not only by everyone at Three Owls, but also by the whole community of which she was very much an active resident (and organiser!) and devout member of her local church. It was a privilege to be able to travel down for her funeral and say my final goodbyes.

My grateful thanks to Pauline for her wonderful help over the years, and especially today. Also to the staff and residents of both Dewdown House and formerly Sewell House who were each excellent in their service.

Nigel