Forum Topic

Ann Allridge-Butfoy

Very sad news received from Ireland this evening to say that Ann died at the weekend after a short illness.Over the past three years on the local Forums Ann had became a dear friend..indeed almost a relation for some of us.....and as the news sinks in our thoughts will linger with sadness.

Jim Lawes ● 6579d28 Comments

Ed replied that they cannot place videos on the site as yet and 'Top Techie' Peter Wright said he couldn't get the video onto a site because of copyright infringement, possibly to do with the song Ann chose to go with her pictures.  If anyone would like to view the video, please e-mail Monica directly.

Sarah Felstead ● 6175d

E-mail to the ed then.

Sarah Felstead ● 6187d

I have had an e-mail from Ann's daughter, Monica Butfoy with a short video attachment which Ann made up before she died.  Monica would like to post the video on the forum - and I do not know how to do this.  Would one of you techies e-mail me, so I can forward the mail on to you?Thanks:-)

Sarah Felstead ● 6188d

Thanks Doris.  I've just found the "Vyborg" Gerasimov bouquet hidden away in my album...and it's perhaps fitting to place it on this thread too..for others to see when they do a Forum Search in the future.  She was a special lady.

Jim Lawes ● 6571d

Thank you Jim. I think there is nothing more hauntingly(if there is such a word) beautiful than the sound of a boy's choir! Ann would have approved.

Doris M. Lediard ● 6575d

SarahWhat a lovely photo of our Favourite Friend.Ann sent some photos of herself to my Shivon 1 off which was in her Garden, i am no Gardner but her garden was Beautiful.I bet you the Gardens in Heaven are being looked after by her...We miss you Ann Sleep Well x x

Simon Anderson ● 6575d

Thanks Jim.

Gerry Tan ● 6575d

Just wanted to correct the spelling of Ann's surname.Hope you liked the music by John Rutter... it's beauty grows!

Jim Lawes ● 6575d

The Lord Bless You and Keep You by John Rutter is perhaps an appropriate piece of music to play on this thread.Monica,Ann's gran-child has written to say that Mass followed by cremation took place last Monday..and that her ashes are to be buried this coming week. Monica has been most moved and appreciative  of all the e-mails and messages posted by Forum friends.I have thought about Ann every day this past week...and I'm sure you all have too. This is a reflection of how much her presence in cyberspace meant to us.  Nature will no doubt heal our sadness in time. ..and the memories of our happy Forum exchanges will never be forgotten.When the St Paul's Cathedral choir finishes on the above YouTube video ...there is an additional version below which is equally pleasant. One can imagine Ann's children, gran-children, and great gran-children singing it to her. Thanks for the picture Sarah...and for everyone's tributes.

Jim Lawes ● 6575d

What a lovely photo !Monica and family,I am sorry for your loss as are so many. Ann entertained us all with her memories over the sea from Ireland and her keen interest in Chiswick and West London.She seemed to have the common sense and the sense of humour that her generation had and that so many of us younger peoople lack.She reminded us that England and Ireland, divided by the sea, are much closer to each other than many imagine.She reminded us of the past but took a keen interest in the present and the future and was not afraid to say what she felt about anything.For those of us who never met her she will, like Diccon Adams, live on in cyberspace. For those who knew her, she will live on forever in their lives.Nobody really dies, they just move on to Tir na Og - the Land of the Ever YoungIs mise, Daithi O Glaisne.

David Giles ● 6575d

My sympathies and condolences to family and friends.May she rest in peace.

Keith Iddon ● 6575d

Sarah Felstead ● 6575d

So well said,Jim.

Sarah Felstead ● 6578d

Bless you all for your tributes.  It was Ann's gran-daughter Monica Butfoy who conveyed the sad news to us on Monday. Monica has also posted a most touching message on the Ealing Forum...to which I and others have responded.-----------------------------------------------------------Dear MonicaYour Gran was indeed a lovely lady..and it's wonderful that you have been able to sit at her keyboard to post a message to us.It's been a sad week digesting what's happened to our very dear Forum friend Ann.Her chirpy and friendly messages will be long remembered.Ann was a most friendly correspondent and almost became a relative to each one of us who participated in exchanges with her.The stories of her life in Kew, Chiswick, Brentford and Boston Manor during and after the war linger in ones mind..and our imaginary trips to Vyborg will never be the same again.Let's hope she's enjoying the best troika trip of her dreams. We will certainly miss her. She did a great job keeping in touch with us over the years..and she played a major part in creating these friendly local Forums. Thank you Ann ..we'll think of you for evermore.Jim Lawes.ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Jim Lawes ● 6578d

God bless you Ann - and thank you.

Fraser Pearce ● 6578d

God bless you Ann, such a wonderful lady is hard to find in todays world and thank you for your wit.

Helen Fogarth ● 6579d

We will miss her on the Wandsworth forum standing up to Iftikhar. May she rest in peace

Jean Gilmore ● 6579d

Ann's Granddaughter emailed me Yesterday about Ann.I was very sad to hear the news she was a lovely woman who wrote to my Shivon many-times since she has been ill sending her Photos and little small Badges etc.My condolences to her Family and I will miss her alot she was a fantastic Lady.

Simon Anderson ● 6579d

Very sad news indeed,a true gem on this forum who will be very much missed.

Paul Fisher ● 6579d

I will miss her postings on the forum, they conveyed such a strong attachment to Brentford. I often smiled when she threw in a grenade and then repaired to her trench in the garden. What a lovely spirit she had.Duncan

Duncan Walker ● 6579d

Indeed Jim.Bless you ANN - thanks for your friendship.

Gerry Tan ● 6579d

Very sad news. i always enjoyed her posts.My sincere condolences go out to all her nearest and dearest.

Neil Chippendale ● 6579d

The garden must be beautiful,because He only takes the best.RIP Ann.Condolences to family.

Joan Perry ● 6579d

Devastating news.  My sincere condolences go out to all her nearest and dearest.

Phil Andrews ● 6579d

Your favourite Tiller girl, Jim - and my favourite traveller.She sent me a picture of herself recently in her much written about back garden.  She had suffered a bout of illness which had left her with an oxygen tank at her side.No more wardrobe travel, trenches or poetry.  I will always link her very happily to Vyborg.

Sarah Felstead ● 6579d

Very sad news indeed.

Vanessa Smith ● 6579d

What sad news Jim,as you say Ann became a very Good Friend,and I always enjoyed her Wit and Sense of Humour.Rest In Peace Ann.                                                                 

Hugh Telford ● 6579d

Yes I just received the news too Jim, very sad. Although of course we never met in person, I feel she was a very real friend. We shared so many pictures of our families and had a laugh, all via this wonderful internet. Ann will be greatly missed.

Audrey Walton ● 6579d