A little while ago I wrote this tribute to my Nan, Marge Bates. My intention was to publish it for her while she was still alive rather than posthumously but sadly she passed away a couple of days ago. I’m sorry I didnt get the chance to read this to you in person Nan.

My Nan, Marge, is 95 years old this year and has led a very full and active life. She reluctantly moved into a care home last year following illness that left her immobile and almost blind and I know she misses her independence a great deal. She has never been one to sit around. She spent many happy years holidaying in her caravan in North Wales and was always the first to the top of Conwy mountain. In later years (her 70’s and early 80’s) she had many holidays in Canada with Mark and Jackie – she liked to relax and unwind in Canada and would occasionally partake in a few lightweight sporting activities like white water rafting, cross country skiing and paragliding!! She loves Canada dearly and would be there in the drop of a hat today if she could.

I have many cherished childhood memories of holidays with Nan in her caravan. Conwy and Llandudno were like the Las Vegas of the UK to me when I was a nipper, and I loved going there. Pie and a pint (of Dandelion & Burdock for me) at Maggie Murphies, Mini Golf on the Great Orm, walking to water falls and if I was really lucky, a trip to Conwy Castle.

Every so often I would be allowed to take a friend along with me for a half term holiday – it must have been hell for her – I was just getting into Heavy Metal music and I had my very first ‘Ghetto Blaster’ around that time. I don’t think I ever managed to get her into AC/DC or Iron Maiden, but then again I wasn’t too keen on Dolly Parton and Bert Kamphert at the time.

I spent countless hours at Nan’s house in Longfellow road in Coventry where she had an amazing print room set up. Racks of Type cases, shelves of ink and paper, a guillotine (Which I wish I had today – it was a beautifully engineered thing as far as I recall), and an Adana hand operated printing press. I was probably only 12 years old when I started printing there – all be it a little reluctantly for a few years. But I started to get into it and the Ghetto Blaster often accompanied me – poor Marge. To this day I have no idea how or why Nan had a small printing factory in her dining room. I’m glad she did though.

My later teenage years brought me and Nan closer via the medium of home brew. She was a master brewer and always had a bucket of something on the go. I remember the first batch of scrumpy I brewed ready for Christmas around 1979/80. It was lethal and after about a pint and a half I was done for. Nan had to put me to bed, and I recall lots of laughter from us both. He he.

I have plenty of other childhood memories with Nan. Many of them involve being on the receiving end of a sharp nip on the back of my arm or leg. Nan was a pincher! Anyone who received one will know what I mean!!

Nan spent many years working with us at IPH Print. She was a very skilled print finisher and had worked in the trade for most of her life. I often take for granted some of the skills I have today – many of them were taught to me by my Nan, and I’m proud to be able to hand them on to my kids.

It is very sad for us to say goodbye to such an inspirational lady. She lived a long and busy life and never refused a challenge. She passed away peacefully with close family at her bedside. Her life has been full of travel, friendship and independence and it is a small blessing to know that she passed on both willingly and peacefully.

Bye Marge. Love forever.

Pete xxxxx

On a trip to the UK in 2011, Mark visited Marge and filmed this wonderful Remembrance day tribute. It shows what a strong lady my Nan was.