JACKIE DOREY STORIES
by Granny Woodfort
Every story of my childhood had the introduction, “I’ll tell you a story about Jacky Dorey” and from there on Jacky Dorey could take you on the most wonderful journeys. He held the key to a door into a world of magic and wonder. It was a place where you met the most amazing people and anything could happen.
These were the stories we told to each other. But Jacky never found his way into a book. Now at last Jacky Dorey has his own book. Well done Granny Woodfort!
When I read Granny Woodfort stories I was back in that wonderful world of imagination and make believe, where the little people could weave cobwebs of golden wonder all around me.
By Alice Taylor
Elizabeth Giles
Elizabeth Giles died on 2nd December 2019
Thanksgiving Service for Elizabeth Giles
5 December 2019
INTRODUCTION:
In one of those beautiful, personal albums Elizabeth created for her children, she mentions one of her favourite hymns, composed by John Greenleaf Whittier.
“O Brother man, hold to thy heart thy brother,
Where pity dwells, the peace of God is there
To worship rightly is to love each other
Each smile a hymn, each kindly deed a prayer.”
WELCOME:
Today, we mark the passing of Elizabeth Giles. We are gathered to honour a great lady, to share our memories and appreciation of her many qualities, and to commit her into the care of God in whom she trusted.
Thank you for your presence here: some come from short distances, some have come from afar, but all have come to say goodbye and I imagine you have come with a thankful heart for the way our mother Elizabeth touched your lives at some stage in her 87 years.
BACKGROUND:
She was born near Exeter in Devon on the 4th of December 1932, the eldest of 8 children: Elizabeth, Mary, Millicent, Dorothy, Harriet, Richard, Patricia and Ruth. She lived for a while in a half-thatched house where she loved listening to birds and little creatures in the thatch above her. On Trow Farm, the horse would be secretly tackled up by the children, a door duly attached, and all children aboard, the horse would be galloped at full speed around the field as the children shrieked with delight. Not for the faint hearted!
Her father, Henry Lane, was a farmer, but we knew him as a retired man with a passion for fishing and time for us as we tootled off to the sea in the Morris Minor singing “O Danny Boy” at the top of our voices.
Elizabeth’s Mum, Amelia, passed away when she was only 16. “Rock of Ages” was the hymn she used to play for her on the piano when her Mum was dying. A story is told of a German plane being shot down over their farm during the war, the crew were arrested and brought into their kitchen by the Home Guard. Elizabeth’s Mum didn’t see these lads as “the enemy”, but as frightened youngsters, and much to their surprise, she offered them a cup of tea.
It was in this home of kindness that our mother was reared and it was this kindness that Elizabeth shared with others throughout her life. As recently as a fortnight ago, she offered to share her home with somebody who was travelling through rough spot in their lives.
Elizabeth trained as a nurse in the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital and when she qualified, she moved to University College Hospital in London. It was a career that she absolutely adored.
Later, having decided she would never marry a farmer, she married the love of her life, George Giles and after a childhood of moving from place to place, she settled happily in Roughgrove, Bandon and reared six children; Eilis, Sara, Heather, Sharon, Debbie and Lane. The nucleus of this family expanded as Raymond, Jim, Robin, Ken, Winston and Mary joined the family. “Go forth and multiply,” was taken literally, and today Granny leaves 43 direct descendants behind her.
CHILDREN:
Debbie:
Debbie, her daughter in Australia describes Elizabeth as a matriarch: wonderful mother, fond sister, beloved grandmother, sweet great grandmother…. Martha Anne Elizabeth with the well-deserved honorary MA at the wrong end of her name.
Elizabeth’s one and only son Lane always retained a special place in her heart and he is going to share with you his thoughts about his much loved mum
Lane Giles:
I would like to welcome you all, to this, a celebration of our mother’s life. We all bring qualities to this life. I would like to recall a few extraordinary qualities our mother brought with her, that have enriched our lives.
Artist She was a gifted artist in every sense of the world, she noticed and appreciated all the beauty around her, from the wild flowers to the twinkle in a stranger’s eye. As an artist, she knew the dream came first, and that all dreams are born of our imagination.
Giver
She was a giver in every aspect of her life. We have so many examples of this.
This was evident from the love she showed to every living thing, from the flowers to the trees, to those that walked along the league in front of her house.
She reached out to people, meeting them where they were at, listening to their concerns, and sharing her experience.
Teacher
She was a great teacher, she saw the uniqueness in children, of all ages.
She fostered the light inside us, encouraging our creativity, not just by her careful guidance, but by her general approach to life, and to living. Then standing back, allowed each of us the space to express this love in whatever way we chose
Then, without judgement, encouraged us with warm words of phrase that only a mother could give.
Young at heart
She had a love of life, and a love of young people. So much so the older she got, the younger she got. She would be childlike with her grandchildren and great grandchildren,
So much so in later years we noticed she preferred the company of people of her own age, the younger people. By her example, we have been encouraged to express the child within us and in doing so, to live life to the full, and appreciate the beauty this brings.
To attempt to sum up
She always had a sense of purpose. She connected with the beauty of this life, and this connection has left a lasting legacy.
From her example we can know, that our imagination can dream a life well lived, and those dreams become reality.
She had time for everything, and the memories created during this time, will remain with us to support us during the rough and tumble times of life.
In these times, when we lose our way, the memory of her example will remind us where to look for the answers.
In her company, we learnt to trust the fullness of time, that for every question in life there is an answer, and that answer is very close, all we have to do is listen and be patient.
During her life she appropriately, and gracefully accepted the various phases. Stepping down and leaving it to the next generation, and continuing with a purpose more suited to her level of experience.
She willingly shared her gifts with us, and actively, and I mean actively, encouraged us to share our gifts with others.
Life with her for me was a lesson in, how to make dreams a reality.
As one example of this, she made her dreams come true and demonstrated this by becoming an author in her eighties.
I know your spirit lives on.
I look forward to seeing your smile again in the flowers, and in the blossoms of the trees,
I look forward to seeing the seed you so lovingly sowed, in the children’s imaginations; grow, blossom, and bear fruit, again and again in the lifetimes to come.
Thank you for the gift you gave, that was your life.
I feel honoured to be your son.
Your love will stay forever present in our hearts.
Memories evoke images of Elizabeth’s character, and Jodi will read a description of life in Woodfort written by her mother Sara.
Jodi on behalf of Sara Good:
We are very pleased that our lovely mum has gone to be with God and be reunited with Daddy who died in November twenty years ago. Dying is an arduous journey and she travelled it with dignity and courage over the past week. Daddy used to say there were two kinds of people in the world and that she was definitely a giver not a taker. We received so much from her – she loved us so selflessly and constantly. She also gave us free and fun childhoods that built a secure framework on which to face life’s challenges. She read to us and told us fairytales as she drew us pictures of fairies. She fed our imaginations and a sense of wonder which was a true gift, allowing us to access sunny actions on bleak days. I used to think how beautiful she was because she had such a ready smile and I just loved listening to her singing. We learned about friendship and open-mindedness from the way she demonstrated them. She exemplified a “can do” attitude and was truly a glass half-full, positive sort of Mum.
GRANDCHILDREN
Her grandchildren: Rachel, Robyn and Sara also recall incidences from a litany of happy memories.
Rachel Smith:
Raheen was always a place of fun and laughter: the doors swung wide to welcome each and every one of us. As summer rolled in, Granny would duly organize her wonderful, willing neighbours to provide jobs for her eager grandchildren...Fullers and Mosleys were most obliging. Arriving home on the bicycles after the day’s flurry, Granny would have a potluck dinner ready for us...and a sweet treat. On one occasion some oversized jam and cream buns, laced in sugar, were produced by our diabetic Granny. There was one for everyone, but when Granny reached for her bun, someone mentioned that it mightn’t be good for her. She continued eating, but with some indignation replied to that cheeky brat. She said, “I’ll have you know that I have tins of sugar free beans in the cupboard!” Everyone exploded in laughter.
Robyn Good:
Granny was very modest and quietly humble person when it came to herself, but boy did she make up for it, shamelessly proclaiming the achievements and success of her grandchildren at every opportunity. I think all of us remember times spent cringing by her side after church or being presented to the Women’s group, introduced not only by name, but also by latest accomplishment...which of course is more impressive through the often rose-tinted glasses of a proud Granny Woodford. Granny often left her mischievous side out during quiet evenings, chatting and laughing with us while sipping Cappouchinas with us.
Once she requested to try on the ridiculous high heels that she couldn’t believe we were wearing and then hobbled precariously… bent over with her chortling. Granny Woodford was the best.
Sara Hosford:
Granny never settled into old age, she was young at heart and embraced life and all it had to offer, not considering herself old even when well into her eighties. She had a zest for life. I always felt so welcome and she showed such joy to see and spend time with any of us. I loved her stories of growing up in England, being a nurse, and all the family connections across the world she so diligently maintained and was so proud of. She was kind, fun, mischievous, an avid reader and learner, open minded, artistic, creative, with such wonderful stories to tell and skills to share. I feel so extraordinarily blessed to have been her granddaughter. She has been an inspiration to us all and she will live in our hearts forever.
GIFTS, TALENTS and SKILLS
This gift of mothering she extended beyond her own clutch throughout her life and children whose parents were unable to mind them, came to live with, or visit from time to time and they became part of the family. Wigwams were built in the woods together and a big white fluffy rabbit was bought especially for June, one of these cherished children.
Elizabeth always had a pioneering free spirit. Christianity for her wasn’t a narrow-minded, self-righteous piety, but the generosity of God reflected in practical ways. She always had a great interest in the hereafter and enjoyed reading books about angels and stories of those who experienced visions of paradise...and she never felt her interest compromised her faith in Jesus Christ. She was a healer, and she allowed the Spirit of God to flow through her gentle hands to restore the natural equilibrium. Her healing touch was recognised and appreciated by many people in the locality.
Elizabeth was a prolific artist; paintings on a variety of mediums from oil to silk, and needlecraft from embroidery to cross-stitch adorn homes throughout the world and have become treasured gifts of love to friends and family alike.
Her Jackie Dory stories, known to many, came from her childhood. These were published with her own evocative illustrations and CD and her literary and artistic achievements were celebrated on RTE Nationwide in 2014.
A pioneer in so many aspects, Elizabeth emphasized with others in a global world. She promoted women’s rights. Shocked and distressed by the tragedy expressed by Chinese students on a peaceful protest in Tiananmen Square she wrote a song about the situation. She insisted we didn’t waste food because her heart was horrified by pictures of starving children. She grieved for the teenagers whose lives were scarred or changed by the Stardust tragedy.
More recently, before the plight of immigrants hit the Irish conscience she made a weekly visit to the Asylum Seekers Refuge in Clonakilty, and shared her creative skills in needlecraft. She said she never asked the folks about the traumas they endured, she just produced the craft materials and they worked away together. She started a library service in the local nursing home and old folks home, a service which generated conversation and relieved loneliness. She also became part of a Women’s Group in Union Hall, which bonded the community in friendship.
And through all these acts of kindness, Elizabeth always spoke her mind. As the saying goes “she didn’t put a tooth in it.” Most of the time you’d agree with her, and silently admire her courage in presenting the unvarnished truth. Sometimes, you’d wish she was more discreet, and sometimes you’d completely disagree with her, but you always recognised that her thoughts came from an honest heart, a heart without malice, unhampered by the need to be politically correct.
CONCLUSION:
Yes, she was a person of rare and sterling qualities, multi-talented and loved. I leave the last word to a person who loved her with every fibre of his being, who knew and understood the full spectrum of her colours, from the least attractive to the most vividly exotic and unusual, to George Vickery Giles, the man who shared his life with her, the man with a wry West Cork humour, master of the understatement, a twinkle in his eye and a huge sense of pride in his extraordinary wife,
“Well whatever else she was, at least, she was never boring.”
Thanksgiving Service for Elizabeth Giles
5 December 2019
INTRODUCTION:
In one of those beautiful, personal albums Elizabeth created for her children, she mentions one of her favourite hymns, composed by John Greenleaf Whittier.
“O Brother man, hold to thy heart thy brother,
Where pity dwells, the peace of God is there
To worship rightly is to love each other
Each smile a hymn, each kindly deed a prayer.”
WELCOME:
Today, we mark the passing of Elizabeth Giles. We are gathered to honour a great lady, to share our memories and appreciation of her many qualities, and to commit her into the care of God in whom she trusted.
Thank you for your presence here: some come from short distances, some have come from afar, but all have come to say goodbye and I imagine you have come with a thankful heart for the way our mother Elizabeth touched your lives at some stage in her 87 years.
BACKGROUND:
She was born near Exeter in Devon on the 4th of December 1932, the eldest of 8 children: Elizabeth, Mary, Millicent, Dorothy, Harriet, Richard, Patricia and Ruth. She lived for a while in a half-thatched house where she loved listening to birds and little creatures in the thatch above her. On Trow Farm, the horse would be secretly tackled up by the children, a door duly attached, and all children aboard, the horse would be galloped at full speed around the field as the children shrieked with delight. Not for the faint hearted!
Her father, Henry Lane, was a farmer, but we knew him as a retired man with a passion for fishing and time for us as we tootled off to the sea in the Morris Minor singing “O Danny Boy” at the top of our voices.
Elizabeth’s Mum, Amelia, passed away when she was only 16. “Rock of Ages” was the hymn she used to play for her on the piano when her Mum was dying. A story is told of a German plane being shot down over their farm during the war, the crew were arrested and brought into their kitchen by the Home Guard. Elizabeth’s Mum didn’t see these lads as “the enemy”, but as frightened youngsters, and much to their surprise, she offered them a cup of tea.
It was in this home of kindness that our mother was reared and it was this kindness that Elizabeth shared with others throughout her life. As recently as a fortnight ago, she offered to share her home with somebody who was travelling through rough spot in their lives.
Elizabeth trained as a nurse in the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital and when she qualified, she moved to University College Hospital in London. It was a career that she absolutely adored.
Later, having decided she would never marry a farmer, she married the love of her life, George Giles and after a childhood of moving from place to place, she settled happily in Roughgrove, Bandon and reared six children; Eilis, Sara, Heather, Sharon, Debbie and Lane. The nucleus of this family expanded as Raymond, Jim, Robin, Ken, Winston and Mary joined the family. “Go forth and multiply,” was taken literally, and today Granny leaves 43 direct descendants behind her.
CHILDREN:
Debbie:
Debbie, her daughter in Australia describes Elizabeth as a matriarch: wonderful mother, fond sister, beloved grandmother, sweet great grandmother…. Martha Anne Elizabeth with the well-deserved honorary MA at the wrong end of her name.
Elizabeth’s one and only son Lane always retained a special place in her heart and he is going to share with you his thoughts about his much loved mum
Lane Giles:
I would like to welcome you all, to this, a celebration of our mother’s life. We all bring qualities to this life. I would like to recall a few extraordinary qualities our mother brought with her, that have enriched our lives.
Artist She was a gifted artist in every sense of the world, she noticed and appreciated all the beauty around her, from the wild flowers to the twinkle in a stranger’s eye. As an artist, she knew the dream came first, and that all dreams are born of our imagination.
Giver
She was a giver in every aspect of her life. We have so many examples of this.
This was evident from the love she showed to every living thing, from the flowers to the trees, to those that walked along the league in front of her house.
She reached out to people, meeting them where they were at, listening to their concerns, and sharing her experience.
Teacher
She was a great teacher, she saw the uniqueness in children, of all ages.
She fostered the light inside us, encouraging our creativity, not just by her careful guidance, but by her general approach to life, and to living. Then standing back, allowed each of us the space to express this love in whatever way we chose
Then, without judgement, encouraged us with warm words of phrase that only a mother could give.
Young at heart
She had a love of life, and a love of young people. So much so the older she got, the younger she got. She would be childlike with her grandchildren and great grandchildren,
So much so in later years we noticed she preferred the company of people of her own age, the younger people. By her example, we have been encouraged to express the child within us and in doing so, to live life to the full, and appreciate the beauty this brings.
To attempt to sum up
She always had a sense of purpose. She connected with the beauty of this life, and this connection has left a lasting legacy.
From her example we can know, that our imagination can dream a life well lived, and those dreams become reality.
She had time for everything, and the memories created during this time, will remain with us to support us during the rough and tumble times of life.
In these times, when we lose our way, the memory of her example will remind us where to look for the answers.
In her company, we learnt to trust the fullness of time, that for every question in life there is an answer, and that answer is very close, all we have to do is listen and be patient.
During her life she appropriately, and gracefully accepted the various phases. Stepping down and leaving it to the next generation, and continuing with a purpose more suited to her level of experience.
She willingly shared her gifts with us, and actively, and I mean actively, encouraged us to share our gifts with others.
Life with her for me was a lesson in, how to make dreams a reality.
As one example of this, she made her dreams come true and demonstrated this by becoming an author in her eighties.
I know your spirit lives on.
I look forward to seeing your smile again in the flowers, and in the blossoms of the trees,
I look forward to seeing the seed you so lovingly sowed, in the children’s imaginations; grow, blossom, and bear fruit, again and again in the lifetimes to come.
Thank you for the gift you gave, that was your life.
I feel honoured to be your son.
Your love will stay forever present in our hearts.
Memories evoke images of Elizabeth’s character, and Jodi will read a description of life in Woodfort written by her mother Sara.
Jodi on behalf of Sara Good:
We are very pleased that our lovely mum has gone to be with God and be reunited with Daddy who died in November twenty years ago. Dying is an arduous journey and she travelled it with dignity and courage over the past week. Daddy used to say there were two kinds of people in the world and that she was definitely a giver not a taker. We received so much from her – she loved us so selflessly and constantly. She also gave us free and fun childhoods that built a secure framework on which to face life’s challenges. She read to us and told us fairytales as she drew us pictures of fairies. She fed our imaginations and a sense of wonder which was a true gift, allowing us to access sunny actions on bleak days. I used to think how beautiful she was because she had such a ready smile and I just loved listening to her singing. We learned about friendship and open-mindedness from the way she demonstrated them. She exemplified a “can do” attitude and was truly a glass half-full, positive sort of Mum.
GRANDCHILDREN
Her grandchildren: Rachel, Robyn and Sara also recall incidences from a litany of happy memories.
Rachel Smith:
Raheen was always a place of fun and laughter: the doors swung wide to welcome each and every one of us. As summer rolled in, Granny would duly organize her wonderful, willing neighbours to provide jobs for her eager grandchildren...Fullers and Mosleys were most obliging. Arriving home on the bicycles after the day’s flurry, Granny would have a potluck dinner ready for us...and a sweet treat. On one occasion some oversized jam and cream buns, laced in sugar, were produced by our diabetic Granny. There was one for everyone, but when Granny reached for her bun, someone mentioned that it mightn’t be good for her. She continued eating, but with some indignation replied to that cheeky brat. She said, “I’ll have you know that I have tins of sugar free beans in the cupboard!” Everyone exploded in laughter.
Robyn Good:
Granny was very modest and quietly humble person when it came to herself, but boy did she make up for it, shamelessly proclaiming the achievements and success of her grandchildren at every opportunity. I think all of us remember times spent cringing by her side after church or being presented to the Women’s group, introduced not only by name, but also by latest accomplishment...which of course is more impressive through the often rose-tinted glasses of a proud Granny Woodford. Granny often left her mischievous side out during quiet evenings, chatting and laughing with us while sipping Cappouchinas with us.
Once she requested to try on the ridiculous high heels that she couldn’t believe we were wearing and then hobbled precariously… bent over with her chortling. Granny Woodford was the best.
Sara Hosford:
Granny never settled into old age, she was young at heart and embraced life and all it had to offer, not considering herself old even when well into her eighties. She had a zest for life. I always felt so welcome and she showed such joy to see and spend time with any of us. I loved her stories of growing up in England, being a nurse, and all the family connections across the world she so diligently maintained and was so proud of. She was kind, fun, mischievous, an avid reader and learner, open minded, artistic, creative, with such wonderful stories to tell and skills to share. I feel so extraordinarily blessed to have been her granddaughter. She has been an inspiration to us all and she will live in our hearts forever.
GIFTS, TALENTS and SKILLS
This gift of mothering she extended beyond her own clutch throughout her life and children whose parents were unable to mind them, came to live with, or visit from time to time and they became part of the family. Wigwams were built in the woods together and a big white fluffy rabbit was bought especially for June, one of these cherished children.
Elizabeth always had a pioneering free spirit. Christianity for her wasn’t a narrow-minded, self-righteous piety, but the generosity of God reflected in practical ways. She always had a great interest in the hereafter and enjoyed reading books about angels and stories of those who experienced visions of paradise...and she never felt her interest compromised her faith in Jesus Christ. She was a healer, and she allowed the Spirit of God to flow through her gentle hands to restore the natural equilibrium. Her healing touch was recognised and appreciated by many people in the locality.
Elizabeth was a prolific artist; paintings on a variety of mediums from oil to silk, and needlecraft from embroidery to cross-stitch adorn homes throughout the world and have become treasured gifts of love to friends and family alike.
Her Jackie Dory stories, known to many, came from her childhood. These were published with her own evocative illustrations and CD and her literary and artistic achievements were celebrated on RTE Nationwide in 2014.
A pioneer in so many aspects, Elizabeth emphasized with others in a global world. She promoted women’s rights. Shocked and distressed by the tragedy expressed by Chinese students on a peaceful protest in Tiananmen Square she wrote a song about the situation. She insisted we didn’t waste food because her heart was horrified by pictures of starving children. She grieved for the teenagers whose lives were scarred or changed by the Stardust tragedy.
More recently, before the plight of immigrants hit the Irish conscience she made a weekly visit to the Asylum Seekers Refuge in Clonakilty, and shared her creative skills in needlecraft. She said she never asked the folks about the traumas they endured, she just produced the craft materials and they worked away together. She started a library service in the local nursing home and old folks home, a service which generated conversation and relieved loneliness. She also became part of a Women’s Group in Union Hall, which bonded the community in friendship.
And through all these acts of kindness, Elizabeth always spoke her mind. As the saying goes “she didn’t put a tooth in it.” Most of the time you’d agree with her, and silently admire her courage in presenting the unvarnished truth. Sometimes, you’d wish she was more discreet, and sometimes you’d completely disagree with her, but you always recognised that her thoughts came from an honest heart, a heart without malice, unhampered by the need to be politically correct.
CONCLUSION:
Yes, she was a person of rare and sterling qualities, multi-talented and loved. I leave the last word to a person who loved her with every fibre of his being, who knew and understood the full spectrum of her colours, from the least attractive to the most vividly exotic and unusual, to George Vickery Giles, the man who shared his life with her, the man with a wry West Cork humour, master of the understatement, a twinkle in his eye and a huge sense of pride in his extraordinary wife,
“Well whatever else she was, at least, she was never boring.”