Mary and Graham first came to Madeira in 2015, the second group holiday we ran for the RREC Northern Section.  They both had a lovely time with their friends and enjoyed it so much they wanted to book the next one in 2017 but unfortunately Graham was not well enough and was waiting to go into hospital.  You will have gathered by now that we have organised these holidays bi-annually and when bookings were being made for the 2019 holiday it would be the first time Mary would be going on holiday alone as sadly Graham had passed away. 

I knew that Mary really wanted to come but was apprehensive of coming alone until I pointed out that several other members were going as singles and she would have her own room.  In fact, in total there were four single ladies and two single gentlemen, all as apprehensive as Mary.  As they were all friends from the section and knew each other there was no problem and the group all seemed to enjoy it.  Nobody was left out, the weather was beautiful and although we stayed at The Royal Savoy Hotel, dinners were also taken at the Forte Sao Tiago, the Casa Portuguesa and our Gala Dinner was held at the Savoy Palace. We were also received by the President of Madeira at his Palace at a private reception.  On the evening before the group flew back we held a party for Roy Brooks’ 90th Birthday and a good time was had by all.   There were also several excursions and the island’s Car Show during the week but plenty of time to relax.  

We were all sorry to hear of Mary’s accident and subsequent passing.  Along with other friends in the club I kept in touch with her during the Covid-19 lockdown and we had some lovely long chats - I heard all about the Dutch Coffee Morning!  

Mary and Graham worked hard for the section over the years, Graham as Chairman.  He rebuilt his beautiful car “Erica,” Mary gave talks about her and they had many happy years driving to events.  We shall miss them both and will always be indebted to them for their efforts.

Elizabeth Earp