Anders Wilhelm Dinesen
19 th August 1933 – 5 th February 2005
One friend who spoke at our Thanksgiving Service for Anders in St. Nicholas Church described him as a man with a character as strong as the trees he grew, and another as a man who was “larger than life”. Certainly everyone who met him could not but help admire this amazing man and warm to his love for life and people. There was no one like Anders and we will never forget him.
His adult life began in Yorkshire at Sledgemere Estate. He was only 17 and came from Denmark to learn to be a farmer. He soon asked his sister to come to England to cook for him as he feared he would starve to death if he were left in the hands of the farmer's wife. Even at this early age Anders knew what he wanted and was determined to achieve his goals.
He once said that he had ambitions to be a vicar, a farmer or the captain of a ship. He intended to buy some Nissan huts in England to start a pig farm, but the Danish Royal Hussars had other plans for him, and regretfully he had to leave England to do his National Service. He threw his heart into it and was promoted to Captain. During his time in Denmark he was fortunate to inherit 2000 acres of land from his uncle and began to accrue his assets. As in the parable of the five gold coins, and as in so many of his other projects, Anders made them grow and grow.
He married Karen Marie in 1958. They made a truly handsome pair, and with their good looks and sharp wits were destined to reach the stars, They had four, lovely daughters which spurred him on even more. Although life was very stimulating, Anders had a vision of returning to England to farm in an innovative fashion. With Karen Marie, as ever, firmly behind him, they decided to sell the car business and purchase a farm in England. Although he never became a vicar or a ship's captain he more than made up for this by his achievements in farming.
Eventually they bought their lovely home in Longparish, a place where Anders felt really comfortable and where he spent many happy hours with his family and friends. It is true that he was a very powerful man but he was always gracious in conversation and an inspiration to all those who met and worked with him. Although he wanted the very best from everyone, he had a gentle charm that made people honoured to be associated with him.
Even when he was really quite ill, he came to church nearly every week, and his strong faith and the reality of God in his life inspired us all. Our love and prayers continue now for his beloved Karen Marie and their daughters, a very close and truly amazing family. Nona Harrison & Roger Pearson
Pauline Curl
10 th August 1953 - 3rd April 2005
We were all saddened to hear of the death of Pauline. She had fought a courageous battle against cancer for 18 years. All who knew her greatly admired her fortitude and cheerful good nature despite numerous setbacks.
Pauline was born and grew up in Islington. After school she joined Lloyds Bank rising to managerial level. She was the first girl ever to undertake a Lloyds Outbound Course by insisting that she should be treated as equal to men.
She met and married Julian in 1990 when he was based in Saffron Walden with the 9 th /12 th Lancers, moving to Longparish in 1991 when Julian was posted to Worthy Down. Pauline took up a post with Civil Service at Worthy Down later moving to Upavon where she worked in Specialist Training with the Royal Military Police.
Pauline was an active member of the St. Nicholas Wives Group and the Longparish Hospice Committee. When she retired on health grounds 2 years ago she learned to play bridge with a group of friends. She was a member of the local book group. A keen gardener, she and Julian were pleased to open their garden for last year's Garden Festival raising funds for the School and Community Project.
To her family and friends Pauline has left a legacy of unforgettable memories No one who knew her could indulge in self-pity. Her courage was inspirational to all. Pauline was an example of how to cope in adversity, facing her different stages of illness with pragmatism and a steely determination not to give in to weakness. She retained her sense of humour to the last.
Pauline died peacefully at home surrounded by her family. She will be greatly missed.
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The next meeting will be on Thursday 19th. May, 7.30 pm. at Woodstock, when Rita Twine will be demonstrating with flowers .
_______________________________________ FOLS 100+ Club Draw Winners
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1 st 91 Mrs Bell (Forton)
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