Angela also has a special connection to the grounds of the hospice…
My grandmother and aunts lived at Myland Hall and I played there as a child and often stayed the night.
I was there a lot, up to when my Impey aunts had to move out in 1972, so it was a big part of my life.
Margaret Farrow, who was in charge of the gardeners, gave me the long border that went up the drive to prepare.
My younger sister and I designed the garden and I went to the local garden centre and I discussed all the plants with the owner, Bill, who let me have all the shrubs at £1 each. All the family sent contributions.
My husband and two sons helped me prepare the border and plant it, ready for the opening of St Helena Hospice.
I always refer to it as the 'Impey border', after my family.
My great grandfather was called Wilson Marriage and he was one of the great men of Colchester and he did a lot of good work. I continue to volunteer in the garden partly because of what the hospice does and partly because it is this family connection.
I was lucky enough to be there when The Queen Mother opened the hospice. There weren’t many volunteers then, so we saw her really well and when she went into the marquee for tea she said ‘good afternoon’ to us! I was also there when Diana Princess of Wales opened the Day Centre, but by then we were quite a crowd.
I feel quite strongly that by staying at Myland which was such a big part of my life as a child, that I am connected with them all.
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