Sunday, 22 February 2009

Jades wedding nerves as reported on the BBC

Dear Jade,
I wish you a wonderful day with red shoes that you can click the heels of and a yellow brick road called life there for as long as you want to walk it.
Nerves just show that you are marrying for the right reason and that is because you truly love Jack Tweed enough to want to marry him.

I hope you love every minute of the fairy tale Down hall country hotel and that the cake is the best you have ever tasted.I hope the wedding dress as you twirl in it is every bit as magical as Harrods own hero Mohamed Al Fayed intended it to be. And I wish you enough energy to have fun with your much loved boys.
You have captured the imagination of everyone who has lost someone from cancer,who has cancer or who fears it and you have lived and danced like we wish our loved ones could for just one more day.

Max Clifford has kept us all informed like we are friends and not strangers through the press association and the BBC. I notice there are still journalists desperate to capture the most readers who dig through your past with tales of your father Andrew,your mum Jackie Buddon,Jack Tweed the "criminal lover" and your reference to East Angular being abroad. (ask anyone an address in their own town and they wont know). The press must be miffed because you told the world everything in your innocent but honest Bambi way so there is nothing bad for anyone to say.

In fact you are one of the most determined and smartest people I know because you are not dying you are LIVING until the game ends because you are out of time.

Most people don't know they are born until the last nail thuds home. You have given your children not just life but a future and you have saved the lives of thousands of other women because they identify with your vulnerability and earthiness recognising a cervical smear is a very important thing to do.

You have done good in this world and I wish you much happiness and laughter. We need more people like you not less.

Have a wonderful wedding day !

Friday, 20 February 2009

Bengal cats rule Suburbia


What a learning curve that hissed and spat from the cage that day. An F3 with a bulging belly full of arms ,legs and wild expectations. She had been found wide eyed and assumed to be a fox until the torch light that set off her glittered coat revealed a none too happy Pussy cat with an Asian past.

We never found why she had escaped or was abandoned but she was safe to have her kittens in the Farmhouse at Trallwm Farm and to rest up for a bit. All the time she was heavily pregnant or nursing her babies she had no interest in anything other than their welfare and she had a wonderful instinctive nature that clearly showed how motherhood would be done in the wild. She produced five mewing fur balls with spots and glitter that Cruella De-ville would remortgage for. Each Kitten was destined to be a career cat because all good Bengals need to be a super hero in their own territory and many don't get that opportunity in this fast and furious world where we have taken away the rights of wild animals in exchange for ready caught food and fences.

The famous five grew with extraordinary leaps and bounds in every sense of the much used words. They suddenly were nearly as big as their long suffering mother who became the patient butt of their many games of torturous intent. Her ears were chewed and her belly sagged with their fervent nursing. She loved them with the quiet watchfulness of a Tigress and apart from the odd slap of her long elegant paw and her quiet chirruping they remained free to terrorise the house hold
Kesari as we called her was a girl of meticulous grooming and timing.She coped with being captive by adopting a form of hunting involving left over chips smeared with Heinz tomato sauce. The chips would have to be left grazing on plains of the wooden farm house floor. She would size up enemies and distance before sloping off behind the sofa forest to organise an attack on the unsuspecting chips. It was awesome to watch a streak of freedom launch itself from behind the furniture and carry off her prey which was beheaded and swallowed before it had time to blink. Kesari would always argue and scream at food which would result in her litter of fireballs swooping from cupboards,wardrobes and under beds to help their mother catch and thrash dinner within an inch of its life.
Soon her beloved babies needed her less and she watched the world outside with renewed interest. Several times she escaped but came back smelling of freedom and the joy of life. One day I saw her walking up the lane towards the house,she stopped and sniffed the air before giving a daffodil in bloom an argument in the hedge.She turned and disappeared into a new life leaving her beloved offspring to fend for themselves trusting that their heritage would be enough. I never saw her again.

Her Beautiful babies grew to be huge spotted, Rosetted Bengal cats that rampaged and decimated trees, curtains and the rat population. I had a friend with a dairy farm who agreed to take and love the whole litter. Somewhere where the mountains were safe enough for a few boys and girls to dream wild cat dreams and to play in streams,climb the backs of Jersey Cows and still be home in time for dinner. Somewhere no crimes could be committed and human captive rules broken by unsuspecting Bengals out on a charabanc.

I often wonder what happened to Kesari. I like to think that she never became a prisoner of humanity, trapped in a brick cage with words she couldn't understand and punishments that broke her spirit.I hope she lived her life hunting, sniffing the air, batting daffodils and finding the odd chip that in her mind was a antelope. I hope she never went without Heinz sauce but most of all I hope she remained free in her own space with her own dreams just like all Bengals should if their humans understand them.
Since Kesari bounded into our life and out again, we have had many Bengal casualties here. Refuges from a world they dont understand and from enclosed space that you wouldnt swing any cat from let alone a Bengal. Time and knowlege has moved onwards and we are lucky enough to have a Bengal cat expert called Debbie Connolly who translates for sad Bengals,smooths neighbourhood spats,and works out ground rules for desperate owners of these beautiful unique beings.
Most of all she is a friend to them who understands all things important to thier little souls. She saves them from disaster and helps them negotiate a new way that human restiction can cope with, but little hearts with big cat dreams can still live to fight another day for.

Peanut allergy breakthrough Trallwm Farm research

What an opportunity lost this was for anyone enterprising enough to have a peanut mountain stashed.
The 1st step is to start a peanut scare which stops anyone gullible enough eating peanuts when pregnant. Now anyone with common sense understands that if you have never had access to something then you are going to have a reaction to it. Children should have the chance to experience as wide a variety as possible of tastes textures and types. It establishes positive principles in as many ways as possible. That's nature and as much as humans fight her she knows best.
The next bit of this saga is you wait a few years until everyone takes it as gospel that children and peanuts should not be in the same county and then suddenly...

Piff, paff ,poff

Some one magically pulls out of the hat ....no not a rabbit but a miracle of modern science.

Lets very quietly assume that all that research money has gone towards back tracking against government advice which wasn't right in the first place and that IF YOU FEED KIDS PEANUTS THEIR BODY ACCEPTS THEM !!!

In true K-Tel tradition you regrind and repackage and whack a good price tag on and bobs your uncle ! A whole new package to a whole new generation !
According to the statements glossing our computers and newspapers this new fangled product that will save our children from anaphylactic shock is amazing in its chemical make up.

Its peanuts.

Well ok they are squashed tis true but peanuts none the less.
I bet Asda,Salisbury's,Tescos down the road from these research and treatment centres must be coining it in with as much glee as the light bulb fiasco.
I wonder if its still possible for BBCs Dragons den gang to get involved here.
With the help of a coffee or flour grinder we have a lucrative market that will appeal to many allergic Tristan's parents as well as the more bobby basic Dwayne's foster carers.
We can opt for tescos basic range to Harrods in a tin. Chocolate covered for birthdays and Christmas and smoky bacon flavoured for early morning appointments.
If I had a peanut allergy thanks to an overpaid and under educated government official I would now be forming a group to sue them. After all we are unlikely to get our bank charges back now because they have to pay themselves bonuses whilst claiming poverty and some banks will be government property by the end of the year.

Monday, 9 February 2009

My favourite person this week is Jade Goody

Sadness has overwhelmed me this week and part of that was an icy kick inside my heart when I read that Jades cancer had spread.

How Jade used to annoy me when she first joined the rest of the world chasing the lime light and trying hard to fit in. How angry was I when the comments were made about racism. Her introduction to tv was after all self inflicted and therefore she made herself a fair target in my eyes.

How much my opinion changed on her when she got back up and apologised but put the world straight on what was said. She didn't squirm ,lie or back down. I saw a truthful person who tries hard to do the right thing.

I watched her show out of morbid but genuine interest and saw how much she has grown as a person and how she has genuine interest in others.I had laughed at her innocence once but could now see what a wonderful gift she has for seeping into peoples hearts and leaving a desire to wish her and others well. What a great ambassador she will be for the cancer charities,cancer sufferers and for fund raising to rid the world of this terrible affliction that cancer is.
She has carved herself a new role as a latter day hero without meaning to be one which to be fair is how Jade has lived her life and that is why people warm to her. She never plotted or planned to get the life she had so no one begrudges that she fell on her feet.

I wish her well in her fight for life. If there is anyone that could survive it through sheer determination its Jade and if there are any two boys that are lucky to have the tiger of a mother they have its her boys. She has taught them the value of life and that's an education worth having.
The tragedy is that she barely survived her own childhood but built a future for her sons and now she is faced with barely surviving her adulthood when she should be enjoying all she has worked hard for with her much loved children.


Ive never tried cosmic ordering but if I get the hang of it I will ask that a chunk of it comes to you Jade when I'm asking for big bales for the cows and a bit of justice. That Max Clifford and his team come across as trustworthy and loyal people to have around you
I hope you live to enjoy the fruits of your hard work Jade and I hope the tiger in you refuses to leave your boys for a very long time yet

UPDATE
The worst news possible is that Jades illness is now terminal but look at the magic that is being given to Jade.

You find out who the good guys are in the end and I would rather have the loyalty of these people than anything else in the world. Shame on all those people who have been vile in print to Jade Goody just to make a fast buck. Well done Mr Al-Fayed for helping to make Jades last days as good as possible.

Such trying times

We are marooned in a snow filled cocoon on top of a mountainous range and I probably listen to the news more than I would normally. I would like to put a bigger fence up between me and the rest of the world but I would probably need planning permission from Carmarthen council and Dyfed Powys police armed response unit would make large gaping holes in it whilst blaming someone else.
Im filled with sadness at events unfurling in a turbulent world. No one goes unscathed and unharmed. The devil is indeed winning according to my good friend who would know as she is a vicar.

Parts of Australia burn because of a few people who have taken the rights of others away.Children have died a terrible death, adults are missing,farmers are shooting thier animals because they know that they cannot get them all to safety. Pain is etched on faces as vividly as the soot and tears.
In England and the USA families have been blown apart by the dissapearance of life as they know it for various reasons.The tragedy of a baby killed by two pet dogs who unwittingly played with the child in wales.Nationally homes are being taken away,careers lost, normality suddenly has a different meaning than it did this time last year. Not everyone is as capable at surviving and so they dont. they drift as lost souls in a downward spiral never complaining untill their voices are lost forever.


This cannot just be bad luck or fate. These events happen because someone somewhere caused it to or allowed it to. The next generation has to wise up to the fact that what we took as freedom and our financial right has left us with a legacy of deranged kids and an inability to live without credit. A disaffection for creating something out of nothing and taking pride in it.A lack of gumption,humility and common sense.
The only thing the human race has gained through evolution is stupidity and the freemasons. Neither are good for anyones future.

Thursday, 5 February 2009

We are snowed in and need feed desperately to feed the animals

Thank you for your membership of the Trallwm Farm Animal Sanctuary Forum. You have all seen the recent terrible weather conditions and Lesley has struggled to keep the animals warm and fed. Cold means we use a lot more bedding and food than usual and stocks are now almost gone. Sparing a small moment to make a donation will make a big difference to the animals here, currently combating the latest bad snowfall.
PLEASE use the donation link to help and pass this message to anyone else that could help desperate animals already let down by their humans.
Thank you all
TRALLWM FARM ANIMAL SANCTUARY
www.trallwmfarm.org.uk





Friday, 16 January 2009

Letter to My Granddaughter


Ive had so many lucky escapes in my life that I'm qualified to see you through your life without almost any harm befalling you.
Most of my escapes have involved feckless young men who would put their own nuts through a mincer if they could get cash and fame out of me. The last was the final one.

That was the luckiest escape of all.

Im so lucky to have the freedom and ability to show you the wonderful things that life has to offer you and just you. The world is changing back towards a good place with Barack Obama in situ. Lets hope Plaid cymru,Labour and anyone else that inflict division on normal people wander into the wilderness.

I want to teach you to stencil a huge design across the floor, walls and ceiling of your room.
It will teach you that where there is life there is a start and a finish. In the middle can be wondrous, beautiful and dangerous but it will be better for all the effort you put in. Life never ends, its a circle. Every day is the first day of the rest of your life. Think from your head if you intend giving one of your days to someone who you know is unworthy of you. You cannot ask for it back like a book.
All you do and all you see in your life will have been done a thousand times before but when you do it your mother and I will think you do it better than anyone else ever.

Im afraid you are destined to be a writer,musician or artist of some sort.
Sorry about that but if you trace our family back you will find that not only did we own the buildings but also we painted the art work in it. We made the music or spread our emotion for all to see in tangible and audible ways much to the chagrin of our sensible relatives. it cost us relationships,huge estates and sleepness nights. Your pedigree shows quite clearly the musicians,artists and writers who created works of art but also a sharpness of mind involving forensic science right through to castle dwellers and club nocturnes.Enjoy your destiny or it will all be worthless. Make sure you create a history of your own for your daughter to be ashamed of and your grand daughter to aspire to.

So far in your life we have had days out with the armed response unit and watched with great disdain men who have no credibility and even less honesty. Remember in life you have to fight for the truth and what is right even when those whom are paid to do just that dont. You will be strong but you should always help others who don't have your capabilities.
Never marry a policeman darling. Its not nice and I never want you to be lied too or abused by anyone. Avoid freemasons. Its just like scouts only the scouts dont have to roll up trouserlegs and obviously they get rewarded for doing good deeds.

Be free to fly through life and resist the call of those who would cage you. They don't have the magic you do they will try to capture the essence of your soul. don't let your life pass you by so another can see the world through you.
You already have an affinity with the animals,you adore Rolex the Dane and the goats quite happily cradle you in their soft hair. Ferguson blew warm breathe onto your face to your delight and you stared into each others eyes in a private moment of huge horse meets tiny person.

Learn all they have to teach you because never will you meet a dishonest animal.

Unless its a Dyfed powys police horse

I feel I have a responsibility towards your music education as I obviously failed with my daughter,your mother.
I never realised until today that she actually knows all the words to a take that song.
I want to take you to Ibiza or be able to show you how cool Stonehenge was with paint ponies and native Americans wading through rivers of people all wanting to believe they would live forever aged 21.
We can make a tee pee in the woods and pretend if your mother wont let us run away together.

We will sleep upon bracken and Rolex will be your pillow,Bojangles your quilt whilst Isadore will listen for wolves and feckless young men eager to spoil your dreams.
Deer hound hair is the softest thing next to angels dust since they both are made in heaven and you will never feel the cold while we keep you safe.
We can eat sherbet until our tongues swell and then drink from the stream just to frighten your mother. Please don't actually turn fluorescent green just to spite your mothers fear of nature.

I want to write a book with you and for you of things "I did with Grandma". I think it may be safest to hold off publication until you have your own Grandchildren so your mother doesn't find out the things we will do and then it will be too late for retribution. I have so many things to show you and teach you how to do.
Your spirit will find its wings and soar one day. I will guarantee your freedom for that to happen.

C Lady L Cooper aged 48 / Roxalea Cooper 9 mnths

Saturday, 13 December 2008

December Storms bring winds of change

Here we are not far from Christmas day and its a beautiful sunny afternoon.Im sure its natures gift to remind us all that no matter how bleak or desperate it all seems some day the sun will shine again.
All the horses and cattle are in because although its not cold in the daytime the rain is torrential. It never seems to end and last night was no exception. A house at the end of the road had a chip pan fire yesterdy evening and I was asked to attend to help move animals. In the end 3 fire engines quickly averted disaster and saved the day but we were all drenched just getting from cars into the house.

Everyone is doing well and we have some lovely deserving horses waiting for loving families to adopt them. I loaned a long timer out to a riding instructor today who wants to ride him side saddle as she has a medical condition. As a typical bone idol pony he was quite put out that he was asked to walk to the end of the road and back but he quite liked her no nonsense approach and I think they will have a long and happy life together.

We have some wonderful bigger horses in whom, through no fault of thier own are homeless and needing experienced homes. As always we are stretched with feeding as we usually put four big bales out at all times. I pray to god someone kind donates some this year. We now have a roof on the barn so just need breeze blocks to seperate into loose boxes. We do get very sick horses in that need to have a stable close by the front door so I can be with them with them in seconds in an emergency. Often old horses need a bit of extra care too with keeping weight on so a warm snug stable makes all the difference.
Exhaustion is a big problem for us humans as you cannot just not put bales out or feed the dogs or Turkeys because you feel like hiding under the bed. Its sheer hard work with more animals coming into rescue this year and I often lie awake at night worrying. There is a lot to worry about but there are good honest people out there who help us.Sometimes they bring in rugs to keep the horses warm and food to feed them. There are several people who have bequested money to us for the future which will protect the interests of the animals.
We also have some wonderful loaners of our animals and there is nothing better than knowing horses or livestock are going to have a happy future with someone.
As regular readers know I have battled against the odds since being here with no help
from the police or Plaid Cymru or Labour or conservatives. In fact the police have done everything to discredit me because they failed to protect me and dont want the truth to come out. Its a terrible thing when you simply run an animal sanctuary to be racially abused and then have the police do thier upmost to distance themselves from thier failure to protect us.
You find out that all those in positions of infuence are simply there to feather thier own nests and have little concern for others.
Ive survived all that has been thrown at me and will continue to seek justice so I can then carry on rescue work and help the animals in my care to find a future.
Happy Christmas every body !

Wednesday, 19 November 2008

BNP update

I have removed this because I was reminded by a friend that not all people are bad but simply follow their leanings as a minority and we have to agree to disagree. .
I have been reminded that people are aware that there are some people who are corrupt but will be corrupt regardless of which group they are attached to. There is a common purpose of corruptness which infiltrates things that started out with good intentions.
My anger towards BNP on a personal level is that I suffered race and hate crime and the BNP put it on their website without my permission. This made people have the perception that I may be racist and I am not. I am the victim of it.

Saturday, 11 October 2008

Trallwmfarm forums ARE NOW OPEN !!!!!

We have recently shifted from Blackfoot hosting whom are expensive to 123reg.
We tried to shift last year but Blackfoot held us ransom with the forums.
This time we have asked for the forum files and so far they have just ummed and ahhed.
We are in the process of completing a new Trallwm farm sanctuary forum with bits that actually work !!! so if Blackfoot dont want to do the decent thing then shame on them !
We have a counter on here so we can see where people have dropped in from and it appears staff have time to look at this blog but not to help an animal sanctuary whose list of animals needing a home is on a forum they have the files of.Nor to get files from a forum and site they have hosted for about five years.

Wednesday, 8 October 2008

Ooh look its the armed response lot again



Im very pleased to see Mr Martin James whom has had the most terrible time has been proved to be innocent and to be the one telling the truth. You will notice in the background is a serving member of the armed response unit in dyfed powys police showing his colours .Good to see our rates are being spent in the usual manner of abusing innocent people. In the Lady Lesley Cooper / Terry Grange case armed response unit police used heavy handed tactics and I believe there is a 3rd case in the news this week where one of the "fire arms" officers was actually convicted and allowed to keep his job. How does one tell who are the criminals now days ?



Disabled man cleared of Pc attack

Martin James was photographed by a newspaper as he was arrested


A disabled man has been cleared of hitting a police officer in a row about how a police van was parked.

Martin James, 47, from Carmarthen, in west Wales, had called the press to photograph a police van he said was causing an obstruction near his home.

He was cleared of a public order offence and assaulting a police constable at Carmarthen police station.

Magistrates in Llanelli said Mr James was "reacting" to being lifted out of his wheelchair by three officers.

During the trial, magistrates heard Mr James was having his photo taken for a local newspaper next to a police van when the row started and led to his arrest.

Mr James, who lived in a nearby street, had contacted the paper to complain about the way the van was parked in the cul-de-sac.

Prosecuting, David Haines said at around 1500 on 19 May, an off-duty officer was returning to his house in the Llangunnor area.

They treated me worse than an animal - they just threw me into the police van onto the floor

Martin James

He noticed Mr James near to the police van and a photographer from the Carmarthen Journal taking his picture.

When the officer approached him and asked what he was doing, Mr James became "abusive and very agitated," said Mr Haines.

The van belonged to another off-duty officer, Andrew Edwards, a police dog handler, who lived in the cul-de-sac. Pc Edwards was called and around the same time, a CID officer, who was passing, also stopped.

Pc Edwards told the court the van was parked at the top of his drive, with two wheels on the pavement, which was on a private road, maintained by himself and his neighbours.


Martin James said he was angry at the way he had been treated

He told the court that Mr James became abusive before officers restrained him, lifted him out of his wheelchair and put him in the back of the police van.

But Mr James told the court his arms were "wrenched" behind his back and he was "thrown" into the van.

"I was screaming in pain," he said.

"They treated me worse than an animal - they just threw me into the police van onto the floor."

He accepted he "accidentally" made contact with an officer but denied assaulting him.

Peaceful manner

The court heard Mr James has hydrocephalus - water on the brain - due to smallpox vaccine damage he suffered when around six months old.

Delivering their verdict, the magistrates found that up until the off duty officers intervened, Mr James was acting in a peaceful manner.

Chair of the bench, Margaret Davies said: "We are of the opinion that Mr James's behaviour was a reaction to the restraint procedure, the pain, and the fact he felt he was being treated with disrespect by the three officers when he was lifted out of his wheelchair and onto the floor of the police van."

Turning to the allegation of assault, Ms Davies said they again found the case unproven.

She said: "We have viewed the CCTV camera (footage) several times, we cannot say that the contact was intentional."

Speaking after the verdict, Mr James said: "I'm exceptionally pleased. In my opinion, it should never have gone to court. The police dog van was obstructing the pavement."

He said he was still angry at the way he was treated.

"I hope that they (the police) have learnt a lesson but I doubt that very much."

A spokesman for Dyfed-Powys Police said: "A complaint has been received and an investigation is ongoing - therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."

Saturday, 4 October 2008

Preferential treatment yet again

Nothing would give me more pleasure than never having ever to think about or write about DPP or the legal system.This being dependant upon the good old fashioned honest justice system in Dyfed Powys police area but it just doesn't happen when you are English, female, got more balls than them.

Last night Kyra had her cars keys snatched from her hand and her car stolen with my six month granddaughter in. The car was driven at speed down several roads before the baby was removed by the perp who had been drinking vodka.
My daughter was threatened and abused before she managed to get her baby back.

Someone who witnessed this called 999 and I'm pleased to say that on this occasion police arrived promptly and arrested the perp.The two officers who were kind courteous and actually did an unbiased job very well and were here until nearly 2am taking statements etc. Another witness who very nearly got hit by the car also made a statement we were told. Soco attended this morning and took photos of my daughters injuries and finger printed the car steering wheel to prove who the drunk driver was.
We were told that the possible charges were serious and likely to involve TWOC, aduction,robbery,drunk driving.I was asked if I wanted bail conditions to include Trallwm Farm just in case of intimidation.

this afternoon the perp was released on UNCONDITIONAL police bail so he is free to do and go where he pleases. I phoned to speak to Det Sgt Lewis at Ammanford who had imparted this info to my daughter but he said he wasnt talking to me ( THE CAR IS REGISTERED TO ME AND INSURED BY ME ) This seems to be standard practice by DPP.
I asked for Duty inspector N Jones to phone me within half an hour as they tried the usual avoidance tactics. He DID actually phone me but said that because there WAS NO EVIDENCE to put before CPS then the police bail could not include bail conditions.

So.............the bail conditions given by the same custody lot at Carmarthen police station to Myself ,Kyra and Meirion because I squatted in Terry Granges house didnt include that I couldnt go to any police station in DPP area nor near anyone connected with DPP past or present,nor near Terry Grange,Samantha Gainard or the estate agent ? And they were not inflicted on us the 1st day and they never had to tout around CPS offices for some one gullible enough to join in then after London CPS refused twice to make a decision in thier favour and Carmarthen CPS once ?

Preferential or prejudicial treatment yet again ?
nooo of course not.

Kyra has had to leave the country in order to be safe with her daughter and IPCC here I come again !!! You couldnt make it up could you.

Monday, 29 September 2008

A dog for all seasons






Monster was still with us for what was to be his last Christmas although we didn't know it. He munched on all the things that are said to be bad for dogs but it didn’t matter He was a very old and huge Black German shepherd that was supposed to be put to sleep years before but wouldn’t quit. He was very loved and had overcome extreme cruelty to end his days living in comfort at Trallwm Farm animal sanctuary.
Winter came and went with swirls of snow and ice lacing the fields in which he loved to walk before summer slowed him to a halt. In August it was time for him to go to Rainbow bridge and he left us with broken hearts knowing that never again would there be a Monster like our Monster the head farm dog.

Time passed and we walked through the Welsh livestock market with heavy hearts. There were birds in cages for sale, shivering till their feathers could fluff no warmer and they would await their fate. And puppies in the back of pickups being offered up to thoughtless women who cooed and ahhed at them before parting with cash quicker than they would have for a bag of chips before discarding them as unwanted to the next person who could be persuaded to coo and ahh for a brief moment of time.
I complained to the auction office several times before loudly asking if they had a licence to sell small animals. The auctioneer swept off round the car park directing people to leave the premises before “She” caused trouble. One litter of puppies were so beautifully marked but so tiny that they couldn’t fail to have captured attention and I thought maybe that at least they would have homes to go to instead of freezing in the back of a pickup, that being the lesser of two evils.

The phone rang on a Sunday and a woman asked if I could take in. “She was pregnant, animals bought on a whim, made a mistake, had to go today”, all the jumbled words that we hear usually for horses coming in but instead this was two puppies with beautiful markings that were no longer wanted.
They arrived in a transit van and the people had tried to care for them to the best of their ability but the eyes that stared out of the big box were no different to the first time I had seen them. I knew that if I didn’t take them then they wouldn’t have a life but would be passed over for pound notes until the fateful day that they would meet the person who could afford a vet to dispose of them.
The little whippet Cream girl with a haze of Dark grey I called Snozzle and a voice just told me that the other, Bo jangles had just arrived home. The puppies were barely 10 weeks old but if their heritage was as described then they should be bigger and stronger.
The girl took after the whippet side of a “Long dog” but Bo jangles, definitely took after the Deerhound side of the family .I started them on a better diet and suddenly they could reach worktops and other inconvenient places in the kitchen. It also became apparent that Snozzle might well have been the result of an opportunist Whippet but Bo jangles parents were probably the same height and breed and therefore more likely pure Deerhound.
Snozzle went off to her new family and as much as I thought about homing Bo when he lay in our arms, laps and halfway across the sofa it was hard to tell him we were not his family and he our dog for life. It became harder as he developed habits that were already familiar to us.
Monster was always terrified of the open stairs in case an unseen hand pushed him to his fate. Bojangles also clings to the wall looking for an assailant. Monster liked the human bed but didn’t like the softness underneath him unless he was under the Duvet, guess where Jangles favours? They share strangeness in food with Monster liking sweet drinks and Jangles already stealing Cherry Brandy from unattended glasses, With the livestock, no cockerel claims victory from either dog’s paws. After all flapping chickens are fun but all other livestock is to be protected at all costs
The overwhelming presence is identical. Both dogs being HUGE, with dark swarthy features that smile down, on all other beings safe in the knowledge that all is well in their world. Both staying close as a family member can be without actually wearing the Wellingtons too.
As each day passes whoever this interloper is, he fits into the shoes of an old character with symmetry and its hard to see, while the shared spirit runs free on the mountain, where the old dog ends and the new dog starts. The dislikes too are remarkable. Monsters great Foe was Buster another GSD here. When Buster was a puppy Monster disliked him and would steal his toys and intimidates him to the point that they were kept away from each other in adult hood as Buster was big enough for revenge. Both liked other dogs and animals. On first meeting Jangles, Busters hackles went up in recognition and he will not go near him now without growling. Jangles treats Buster with no respect at all and will sit as close as he can with that old lopsided smile of quiet puppy intimidation whilst stealing the toys.
Whatever the truth a little of the old magic returned to our lives with the whispers and essence of a life past and a life just starting on its way as head farm dog at Trallwm Farm Animal Sanctuary.

and breathe ........

It must be easy for those visiting the Trallwm farm blog to think of me not as someone who runs an animal sanctuary but someone who just caught Dyfed Powys police out fair and square. Whilst both facts are true one has far more importance to me at least.
On a day to day basis I am asked to help with countless cases of animal welfare. Presently I am trying to help two different sanctuaries as well as individual people. Good sanctuaries work together and just like the general public that contact us for help we all do our best for each other and the favour gets returned in due course.
The credit crunch has certainly made a difference and the sheer volume of animals needing help has rocketed. We have recently saved two litters of kittens that had been attacked by predator unknown whilst all were living rough. Several kittens were not lucky enough and were killed but the rest are now in a position to live a long and happy life.
We take in horses on an almost daily basis and rehome only to suitable homes where each animal has the chance of a future.Cows we have a whole herd of that ebbs and flows.My jerseys all came in at 2 days old having been saved from the hunt killing them. We have helped 300 chickens this year alone and helped move countless dogs to safety.
All this has priority to fighting the battle against Dyfed Powys police and their blatant attempts at silencing me telling the truth on how they supported a racist thug who killed animals. ( I have photos to prove this and the thug admitted they were his animals in court )This week starts the investigation by professional standards into all the issues. Into wrongful arrest,not recording hate and race crime,blatant lies in some cases. There is a whole pile of stuff to be looked into.
Meantime the animals all need feeding and protecting. Each animal here ideally I want to be free to live as natural life as is possible,to have the right to roam and be free, to have shelter and to be able to display normal, natural behaviour.I look at them all and realise that they are way above most humans in lifes order. They dont lie,cheat or harm anyone. I know where I prefer to be.

Thursday, 25 September 2008

Freemasons Wales and UK

I have removed this because I was reminded by a friend that not all masons are bad. Some really do go into it to help charities and do something worthwhile.
I have been reminded that people are aware that there are some people who are corrupt but will be corrupt regardless of which group they are attached to. Their is a common purpose of corruptness which infiltrates things that started out as good because sadly their are a minority that simply look to drain good out of everything in order to help themselves.
I have at least two friends in the masons who are horrified at what I have been put through. I would like to think that eventually more will be charitable towards others and stand up for the goodness that was intended in the first place when they joined the freemasons.

Wednesday, 24 September 2008

BBC report on Dyfed Powys complaints figure rising

Notice they never give a name for whoever was spokesperson for DP as they have great difficulty deciding who is responsible and also they may receive 200,000 calls for assistance but if they choose who they are going to respond to its not quite the same


Rise in complaints against police

The IPCC received 28,963 police complaints in the last financial year
Dyfed-Powys Police has recorded the second highest percentage increase in England and Wales for the number of public complaints received against it.

The force saw a 53% rise in complaints from 2006/7 to 2007/8 which in real terms saw complaints rise from 188 to 287 across the period.

The nation's Gwent, North Wales and South Wales forces saw respective 14%, 9% and 12% increases.

Dyfed-Powys said it welcomed complaints and expected to be held to account.

Each year a number of complaints are made by members of the public about the conduct of serving police officers and these are handed on to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) at the end of each financial year.

The allegations range in gravity from impoliteness through to allegations of assault against officers and are compiled by the IPCC in its annual Police Complaints report.

For the year ending 31 March 2008 the organisation recorded 28,963 complaints against English and Welsh forces representing virtually no change on the previous year's figures. It is fair to say that most police officers and staff do their best to provide the highest quality of service in what sometimes can be very difficult and challenging circumstances

Dyfed-Powys Police

Of these cases, 63% were completed with the remaining 37% classed ongoing with a majority of a majority of forces, 24 out of 43, seeing a decrease in the number of complaints recorded recorded against them.

The biggest increase in the number of complaints was seen by Sussex Police which saw an 81% increase working out to a 346 rise in the actual number of complaints.

The IPCC has been handed the task of increasing public confidence in the complaint systems by aiming to make investigations more open, timely, proportionate and fair.

In a statement Dyfed-Powys Police pointed to this as a reason behind the increase in the number of complaints against it saying the rise was evidence of public confidence in the complaints system.

It outlined that when put in context the rise in numbers worked out to being just short of an additional two cases per week and that the average number of allegations attached to each case was 1.7 which was consistent with the national average.

It also pointed out that as a region it handled around 200,000 calls for assistance each year and that the total number of complaint allegations against it totalled 507.

'Police confidence'

"Such increases are acknowledged as a potential indication of public confidence in the complaints system in that the public are confident that when reporting allegations of wrongdoing by police officers and staff, they will be recorded and dealt with appropriately," explained the force.

"It is fair to say that most police officers and staff do their best to provide the highest quality of service in what sometimes can be very difficult and challenging circumstances. Inevitably there will be occasions where we do not always get it right.

"We welcome comments and complaints from members of the public, and as a public service we expect to be held to account. We endeavour to learn lessons from cases whether this be on an individual or organisational basis."

The Gwent and South Wales forces responded in similar fashion outlining their own beliefs that the rise in complaints was a reflection of the increased public confidence in the police complaints system.

IPCC chair Nick Hardwick added: "Clearly the public continues to feel greater confidence in the complaints process."

And our happy tale of justice as told by the press

Women cleared of Grange trespass

The Coopers were cleared of all charges laid against them.
A mother and daughter who occupied the home of Dyfed-Powys' former chief constable Terry Grange during a protest have been cleared of trespass.

Lady Lesley Cooper of Bancffosfelin and Kyra Cooper, 26, of Tumble were also found not guilty of criminal damage by magistrates in Carmarthen.

Lady Copper claimed squatters' rights after being let in by an estate agent.

Magistrates ruled police who asked her to leave were not acting with Mr Grange's direct authority.

Magistrates heard that using her sister's name Lady Cooper, 48, arranged a viewing of the property at Meinciau in the Gwendraeth Valley on 26 April this year.

Mr Grange had put it up for sale after retiring from the force last November following allegations he misused a work computer and a corporate credit card.

While estate agent Martin Richards was outside Lady Cooper locked herself, her daughter and 11-day-old granddaughter in the property.

Kyra Cooper told the court she had no idea what her mother was planning but once inside did not want to leave her alone.


Officers were called to the home of the former police chief in April.

Lady Cooper told Mr Richards through the letter box: "We are claiming squatters' rights - please call the police."

She then dragged a piece of wooden furniture to block the front door.

Lady Cooper told the court she acted out of "utter desperation" borne out of an alleged six-year dispute she was involved in with a tenant.

She claimed Mr Grange and the force had refused to record or investigate "race and hate crimes" she alleged were committed against her.

Lady Cooper said she had taken enough food and drink inside Mr Grange's house to last three days.

Mr Richards injured his wrist as he attempted to re-enter the house when it was caught in a door.

But magistrates cleared Kyra Cooper of a separate charge of assault as she told the court she feared for her safety as he had become "annoyed" and "aggressive" and she had not realised his arm was in the way as she pushed the door.

Police were called and after two hours an armed response unit smashed the rear patio windows to gain access.

Both women were arrested and taken to Carmarthen police station.


Former chief constable Terry Grange had put the house up for sale

Appearing on behalf of Kyra Cooper, Carina Hughes said officers "over-reacted".

She said police were in possession of a full set of keys and could simply have unlocked the back door.

"If the police had exercised sheer common sense and used the key that was in their possession for the back door there would not have been any damage," she said.

The women had said they were invited into the house by the estate agent so were not trespassing.

The magistrates accepted their argument that police who asked them to leave were not acting with the direct authority of the home owner - Mr Grange - as they had not spoken to him at that stage.

Speaking after they were cleared Kyra Cooper said: "If Dyfed-Powys Police and Terry Grange had helped my mother we would not be here today."

A tearful Lady Cooper said: "They have tried to discredit me. It [the protest] was the only means I had of getting the world to know."

Asked with hindsight if she would do anything differently she replied: "Take more sandwiches."

The evidence against Terry Grange and Dyfed Powys police

Got a story? Text: 63000 - Email: talkback@the-sun.co.uk
Shamed ... Chief Constable Terry Grange


Dirty cop sent filthy emailsBy JOHN COLES

Published: 07 May 2008

A CHEATING chief constable abused his position to keep a secret mistress, a damning report revealed yesterday.
Police watchdogs said married dad-of-three Terry Grange:

SENT sexually explicit and “politically sensitive” emails to his lover from his office computer.

WINED and dined her using his force credit card.

MISSED official meetings to spend time with her.

STAYED with her in London hotel rooms paid for by his force.

BOUGHT booze on his police Barclaycard, and DOUBLE-claimed expenses.

Mr Grange, 59, dramatically quit the Dyfed-Powys force in November after admitting he had allowed his private life to interfere with his professional role.

His resignation came as the Independent Police Complaints Commission launched a probe into his nine-month affair with the mystery woman, known as Ms A.

She filed a complaint about his behaviour when their romance turned sour. And she provided details of 68 “liaisons” she had with him between November 2006 and August 2007.


Firewall

The IPCC report told how Mr Grange – a copper for more than 30 years – even visited his force’s IT department to make sure Ms A’s email responses got through their security firewall.

And he was accompanied by his mistress at force functions “three or four times” while his wife Elaine was at home.

At the time Mr Grange was spokesman on personal crime for the Association of Chief Police Officers.

Ms A, thought to be a London businesswoman, told the IPCC she spent “the best part of each week” with him – either in the capital or Carmarthen, where he was based.

All the time Elaine was living more than 150 miles away near Bristol, where Mr Grange used to work.


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The mistress also revealed she received 102 emails from the top cop’s police computer, with titles including “Re visits to Wales” and “Irish sausages”.

The Crown Prosecution Service has ruled out any criminal action. And Mr Grange will also escape disciplinary procedures as he has already quit.

But IPCC Commissioner for Wales Tom Davies said: “This is a sad end to a distinguished career.”

j.coles@the-sun.co.uk
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Review of judge sex abuse inquiry ordered after ex-wife's complaintNick Davies The Guardian, Tuesday September 16 2008 Article historyPolice have been ordered to review their handling of the case of a judge accused of sexually abusing young children after claims that they failed adequately to investigate him because he was a friend of the chief constable.

The judge, who for legal reasons can be named only as Judge X, has been accused by his former wife of abusing children as young as 18 months of age, giving one of them a sexually transmitted infection; downloading child pornography on his computer; and using the transcripts of trials involving sexual offences for his personal gratification. The judge has denied all the allegations.

The former wife's allegations in June 2006 were referred by social services to Dyfed Powys police, who investigated and concluded that they were baseless. The judge's former wife then complained that the investigation had been inadequate and had the appearance of bias because, she claimed, Judge X was a friend of the then chief constable of Dyfed Powys, Terry Grange, a claim which Grange has denied.

Now a review by the Independent Police Complaints Commission has ordered Dyfed Powys police to reconsider the former wife's complaint about the weakness of their investigation. In a summary report the IPCC's case officer comments on the rejection of her complaint: "I fail to see how the findings can be supported without any evidence of a thorough investigation into all complaints made ... it is clear that the investigation has not been completed."

The IPCC review was told that:

· Although the former wife said she had personally witnessed Judge X naked with named young children, Dyfed Powys police failed even to interview the judge and phoned him for an off-the-record conversation, which had no evidential value;

· Although the former wife said she had witnessed Judge X downloading child pornography on his home computers and identified two sites which she claimed he had been using, Dyfed Powys police failed to seize any of the judge's computers;

· Although she alleged that the judge had passed a sexual infection to a child Dyfed Powys police made no attempt to obtain relevant medical records;

· Although she accused him of using court transcripts for his sexual gratification Dyfed Powys failed to mention the allegation in its inquiry report.

When the former wife heard the outcome of Dyfed Powys' investigation in January 2007 she filed a formal complaint that it was inadequate. The force considered this complaint and in July 2007 rejected it.

In August 2007 she appealed to the IPCC, who initially refused to review the handling of her complaint on the grounds that her paperwork had arrived with them six days after the statutory 28-day deadline. She sought a judicial review in the high court, which in June this year ordered the IPCC to review the case.

The IPCC review comes to no conclusion on the validity of the former wife's allegations against Judge X. In a statement last night he told the ITV programme Wales This Week: "I only wish to state firmly that there is absolutely no truth in any of these allegations." Nor does the IPCC make any comment on the claim that Judge X was a friend of the then chief constable, Terry Grange.

Grange, who was a spokesman on child protection for the Association of Chief Police Officers, retired with immediate effect last November after being accused of misusing force email and a credit card while having an affair.

The IPCC's report requires Dyfed Powys police to reopen the case, initially in order to establish whether the former wife's complaints about the original inquiry were properly handled. In a statement the police said: "The force will revisit and reinvestigate the complaints submitted, a process that will necessitate further engagement with the complainant. A new investigating officer has been appointed."

Not evidence but shows he isnt quite as anti masonic as he would have us believe !
I wonder why the local lodges in Llanelli and Carmarthen didnt do it ???

Dyfed-Powis Police Receive Defibrillators

Montgomeryshire and Tywyn Freemasons donated £4,500 to purchase two defibrillators for use in police patrol cars serving rural areas. Dyfed-Powys Police Chief Constable, Terence Grange, travelled a considerable distance from his headquarters in Carmarthen to personally receive the donation from W Bro. Emyr Roberts, chairman of the Group Nine Lodges and RW Bro. Gareth Lloyd-Jones, Assistant Provincial Grand Master for North Wales. News of this donation was well reported in the local Press and has received much public support.
Issue 18, Autumn 2001
© Grand Lodge Publications Ltd 1997-2008

Terry Grange Dyfed Powys police lose again

Terry Grange Dyfed Powys police lose again



All of you who read my blog regularly will know of my struggle for justice and the blatant attempts by Terry Grange and Dyfed powys police to discredit me and distance themselves from their own failings.
This week finally saw the end of the malicious case against Kyra and myself formulated by Dyfed Powys because they were miffed that I had out witted them. I did offer a compromise and I begged them for help two days before I went into Terry Granges house and gave press interviews. They smugly ignored me.

On the 26th April I went into Terry Granges very basic love nest. (Double beds,vodka in the fridge and cheap toilet roll ). which Terry had abandoned in favour of his home in Bristol which didn't have quite so many press lurking outside. For those that don't know the story I shall put links so as to ensure that there will be absolute accuracy about what he did and how he managed to escape any form of justice and with a very large pension to boot.

I have for the last six years sought help from Dyfed Powys police with regard to racism,abuse,criminal damage and hate crime not to mention extortion.
I have been ignored..

In fact I would go as far as saying favouritism has been shown towards Selwyn Roberts. I had professional standards from Dyfed Powys police here yesterday taking my statement in an attempt to investigate and put things right.

I was wrongfully arrested by Dyfed Powys police for tractor theft aided and abetted by a Plaid Cymru AM and a "christian charity" called crisis in farming when I simply tried to get rent and water costs paid plus dead animals cleared and squalor cleaned all called by Selwyn Roberts and his father plus a few hanger ons.
I have a letter of apology from CPS here.



I bought Trallwm Farm via John Francis estate agent in Carmarthen and there was a meeting before completion which involved the then owner Rees,Neville Thomas acting on behalf of John Francis estate agent and Selwyn Roberts. These three ( I have court paperwork to prove all this ) had a meeting whereby it was agreed not to inform me that I had a sitting tenant. Selwyn Roberts was also offered £7000 cash to leave but of course thought he could extort more out of me instead.
I completed on Trallwm Farm and was immediately dropped into a situation of racism and hate. Roberts father abused me on a daily basis as did Roberts junior. I was assaulted by David Roberts and after Sgt Anthony eventually took over the case I gather he was cautioned for assault.Photos were taken which are still held by the police of the alleged criminal damage caused to the barns which the police still hold.
I was told daily that if I handed over varying amounts from £30,000 to £50,000 then Roberts and his poor cattle would go.
He tried various ploys including not feeding the animals to try and force me as an animal lover to give in. The RSPCA were asked to attend at various points by myself and neighbours due to dead and dying cattle. It was pitiful. I remember two calves that were weak being fed by tube by Roberts senior. He couldn't get the tube in to the stomach so milk flooded the lungs and both calves died an agonising death. I tried to help these animals but was always abused. The RSPCA and DEFRA said they were aware. I have photos of the condition of his animals for anyone who has an interest in animal welfare and justice.Roberts on occasions drove his only working tractor into the barn walls and caused criminal damage to tin work as well as smashing the stone work. He said he would stop when I gave him the cash.
Roberts father placed a young calf inside a car which was then locked. Several people informed the authorities but still the calf stayed there untill what had been a living being with life in its eyes was just a rotting smelling carcase with maggots.I have paperwork from animal health where the calf incident is clearly mentioned.

Roberts refused to pay rent or water bills. To be fair Euirig Rees the previous owner had agreed to pay water costs for Roberts but soon abandoned that idea and walked away as did John Francis estate agents in Carmarthen. I have paperwork here that shows this agreement.

I sought advice and gave Roberts a months notice that I could not afford to pay for his water supply nor support him financially. I offered him a seperate non mains water supply for which there was a pump house and water tank on higher land that I owned and I offered him a suitable cheap submersible pump. He declined and said the money he could get in compensation for his animals dying would be great. Elaine Spence for the RSPCA told him the fine for not supplying water to his cattle would outweigh any compensation. Elaine and I connected water from the well to the cattle but Roberts continually pulled the pipe work out. I had also sourced livery costs for moving my horses to Geoff Stones yard and therefore not trespassing on land involved in an ag tenancy. Roberts said it was ok I could keep my horses in the field I owned and he would just use the barns. This was a ploy he later used in court to show I was a trespasser.
The situation was desperate and environmental health came round because of the open slurry pit and the mess. I put suitable gates up to stop Roberts cattle running out onto the road an to stop anyone or anything falling into the open slurry pit. A neighbours pony DID fall in and I worried constantly about a child dying in its toxic depths.
Eventually after Roberts had more cattle dying he shifted everyone out to grazing on land still owned by Rees but still paid no one a penny. He left 3 tractors wedged in the gateway which meant I had no access to a field he had no connection with.This was accepted in court. I was offered storage of the tractors with the agreement that they could be collected by Roberts when he paid his rent and cleared up. He had at this point abandoned Trallwm Farm but left absolute squalor. In court he claimed that he had to pay to have browsers bought in with water because I was no longer supplying water to the land I DIDNT EVEN OWN as it was still owned by Rees and the court say I have to pay Roberts. On one bit of this land is a tap that has been registered to Euirig Rees for a very long time and one that he paid water costs for .At no point did Roberts need to import water.I have a photo of this water source and enquiries can be made of the water board regarding its exact location.The "independant " witness surveyer didnt include any of this in his report despite me pointing it out to them.
Should Roberts have actually imported water from his mates fathers farm then a water extraction licence would be recorded with the environment agency and the issuer of the licence and THERE ISN'T ONE.
Unbeknown to me crisis in farming had a woman called Gillian Gibson who fully supported Roberts and made statements on his behalf to agencies etc. She clearly states that I harassed Roberts and that she knew his cattle to be outstanding. I have photos of these cattle.He also had a company called Upton Walker working on his behalf producing ambitious reports on what I and Eurig Rees owed Roberts.SHONA WALKER was struck off from practissing but still her report was offered to the court and nothing was mentioned about such a deceptive move.

Selwyn Roberts agreed in court that these were his animals





Crisis in farming never came here, spoke to me or in any way knew the truth but they still spoke with authority on the subject in court.
Reverend Brown of crisis in farming has only recently taken over as director .The last one told me he wasn't helping me at all. Sarah Brown is trying now to reassess the situation but sadly to late as Judge Vosper made a decision partly on the crisis in farmings evidence.
The police in all this time have actively refused to respond to 999 calls or to help in any way. In fact after pressure from crisis in farmings Gillian and a local AM I was arrested by the police and then apologised to by CPS ( I have the letter ) because the police had done such a shoddy and biased job. I was therefore cleared of tractor theft. However the police made it clear that the tractor's should be held and not moved.
I have to pay compensation to Roberts for the loss of condition of the tractors during the long debate on my wrongful arrest when he could have in fact collected the tractors in the first week of them being in storage having paid money he owed to me for water and rent.
During statements I was told by WPC phillips that I was not allowed to mention racism as it didn't happen in wales and that she was only doing what she had been told by someone higher up. I was told that a harrasment file would be kept at Kidwelly which would give powers of arrest against Roberts but this was not done. Again their was a clear bias in Roberts favour. Surely eventually people within the legal system have to look at all the facts and realise that there is something very ,very wrong when I have been denied the very basic principles and human rights afforded to people in English law whilst Roberts has had a marvelous time with all the special help he has been given.

I am aware that journalists are reading this blog because of the national press attention after Dyfed Powys failed to silence and discredit both my daughter and myself .Obviously there will be a claim for compensation for wrongful arrest plus all the other thing Dyfed Powys police have done to us and the press are welcome to all paperwork plus photos.
my phone number is 08712300873

I am grateful to the magistrates at Carmarthen court for their integrity in reading the situation and acting accordingly. I am grateful to Mike Reed and his wife Celia who should be given M B E's for their continued work in protecting the public in their roles as superb solicitors and very very grateful to Carina Hughes who has a long and distinguished career ahead of her if her honest and articulate understanding of the law is continued in such a wonderful way.I look forward to watching her rise in the ranks with much pleasure.Im also grateful to the press and journo links which help stop cases like this dissapear from public inspection http://www.journalisted.com/article?id=854612

Friday, 19 September 2008

One of the saddest but most important things I have ever written

On the 10th Sept my step mother Chris died.

Thats a few words that dont begin to describe our loss because my step mum was different and in a unique category so Im going to write about her in the way she deserves to be written about.

At her funeral the reverend from North Waltham and her church she not only attended but helped at and took responsibility for mentioned that Chris had taken my sister and myself on as we were deserted by our own mother.
She did take us on and I began to think of the enormity of what I owed her and never got to tell her.
Not only did I inherit siblings but also a step Grandmother and Grand father, step aunts,uncles and so on. Her house was a normal happy home where morals and lessons were the order of the day. There was no violence and fear. It was always filled with cooking and childrens toys,log fires and light. Eventually alongside Chris's wonderful children appeared two more so I had half brothers.

Christmas , Boxing day, Easter actually became words that meant something.These were experiences I would never have had access to without my stepmother and although I was older than these children I was and am still very gratefull for the memories and being invited to be part of it. Without learning what Christmas and special family days were all about my daughter and now my Grandaughters memories wouldnt be half so filled with magic.I hope they both give thier future families a "Christine Christmas".

Chris spent all year stashing items for people she knew would enjoy them at birthdays,Christmas etc.
Without realsing I too began to gain pleasure from finding things and to put them by. Chris taught me about ceramics and I only have to see Cranberry glass and I instantly think of happy times in North Waltham. Through Chris I learned about antiques and collectables,morals,families,Burmese cats and thier problems. Most of the things I know came from Chris because I didnt have another maternal source that could possibly educate me in such a kind and loving way. Even my love of antique books because Chris gave me encouragement. As a small child Kyra had beautiful hand embroidered dresses and the very best of everything thanks to Chris.In so many ways she touched by life and filled the void left by not having a mother.It was to my benefit to have a stepmother and not a mother.
I also realise it was Chris that taught me to not be bullied and to fight my corner. Chris was the bain of middle management. If they couldnt get it right they shouldnt be doing the job. She said she had decided to take on the battle with cancer as she would a battle with a Sainsburys manager. Anyone who knew Chris will now be smiling at this because if any supermarket didnt full fill her requirements she would have the boss squirming like a school boy having his ear bent untill satisfaction was hers for the taking.
Sadly for us Chris passed away sooner than anyone thought but I wonder if she got a glimpse of after life and departed with her shopping bag to iron out a few of heavens problems. If this is the case then heaven will be a much better run place where all children will be loved and cared for. If anyone deserves to be in heaven its Chris for all her goodness on this earth.
Even during her illness no one knew untill a few weeks before her death. Chris spent so much time looking after everyone else and her much loved grandchildren that I dont suppose for one minute she wanted to waste any time on dying while she had time left to live. She even organised what flowers were to be at her funeral which of course were yellow and mauve which I noticed match her ceramic flower wall plate.
The reverend knew too much about all of us to have just cobbled together a few meaningless words from those left behind. He spoke about all of us including the great grandchildren and Misty the worlds most annoying cat who was the bain of most peoples lives but simply another entity to be loved by Chris. That meant to me that he had listened to Chris and understood the importance of all of us to her. That to me made her one of the most important people I will ever be lucky enough to have had in my life and like everyone else I will mourn her loss for a very long time.