2024 01 Spring with bleed V4 - Flipbook - Page 21
To many, Wooda Cottage was always
associated with Victoria the Donkey!
The recent sale of the cottage marks
the end of quite an era.
Those who knew Marjorie and
Derek Marchant will be saddened
to know Marj passed peacefully
away on 13th March. Derek, her husband of 72 years predeceased her in
April 2023. Marj and Derek moved to Wooda Cottage from Hounslow in
the late 19709s, happy to leave the hustle and bustle of city life they quickly
settled into rural living, Marj had a background in horticulture having spent
many years working for the parks and gardens department, her love of
gardening was very evident, as she created a osh pond, new beds and
borders, the garden was always a blaze of colour, she could regularly be
seen late into the evening tending the borders, not a weed in sight or a
blade of grass out of place, philosophically accepting the wildlife would eat
the plants and the heron would pay the occasional visit, but in her words
8they were here before us9 it was a difocult time when inormity prevented
her from doing the one thing she enjoyed most. Derek9s pride and joy was
his Triumph 2000, polished to perfection never a speck of dust, it was
indeed a sad day when ill health forced him to stop driving. He had a
wonderful sense of humour and was not averse to playing practical jokes
on unsuspecting guests. Both animal lovers it wasn9t long before donkey
Victoria joined them, Derek spent many hours with her, often taking her for
long walks, or maybe she was taking Derek! she was quite a character and
became well known by locals and visitors alike. Wooda is still often referred
to as Donkey Corner! Although a very private and oercely independent
couple they always greeted everyone with a friendly wave and enjoyed
nothing more than a chat with everyone who passed by often recalling
stories of their youth. Those who knew them well will have very happy
memories of them. On a personal note, Martin and I count ourselves very
fortunate that we were able to spend many hours with them, often long into
the night as they recounted with much hilarity their motorcycling days and
holidays to the Scottish Highlands. Marj9s funeral will take place at 1.40pm
on 26th April at North Devon Crematorium, all who knew her are welcome
to attend. Marj and Derek will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered
by all their family and friends.
Diane Alexander.
To read onlineāwww.kingsnymptononline.com/latest-edition
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