Crescent Folk Remembered

The death of Monica Baly was marked by prominent obituaries with photographs in all the broadsheet national daily newspapers and the Bath Chronicle. After the private cremation service at Haycombe, a Thanksgiving Service was held at Bath Abbey (Monica's spiritual home). You’re President and Chairman attended both events and the President read the Cavafy poem Ithaca at the Thanksgiving Service. Monica had prearranged the format and content of both events and the Abbey event was very well attended: it included an Appreciation by the Chair of the History of Nursing Society, Royal College of Nursing and a moving but witty Address by the College's Honorary Chaplain and Monica's close friend the Reverend Dora Frost MBE. Monica's close family hosted refreshments at Pratt's Hotel afterwards.

Dr Monica Baly: An Appreciation

WHERE TO BEGIN? There were so many facets to Monica. A great number were evident when I saw her last, a few days before her sudden death, sitting up in her hospital bed in marvellous form, vibrant, cheerful and full of life. She gave me a surprisingly powerful hug and remarked, ' a patient's life is a busy one, dear'.

And so it was: an important part of her daily routine was to read thoroughly The Times, but she hardly had time to do more than glance at the front page. She was considering how best to update her entry on her beloved Florence Nightingale for the Dictionary of National Biography. There were visitors to entertain, and to admire the more than fifty 'Get Well' cards, and the bouquets of flowers from the Royal Crescent Society and the Royal College of Nursing. And the hospital hairdresser was styling her hair so that she would look elegant for her return home. There, gathered in one small space were the visible signs of her professional and her personal life: the range of occupations, from nurse to historian; the keen interest not only in the past but also in present goings on; her wide circle and variety of friends, and her determination never to be dowdy.

At an age when many people are content to put their feet up and lapse into idleness, Monica, who had until then spent her working life among doctors as a nurse and administrator, had become a doctor herself, gaining a PhD for her work on the life of Florence Nightingale. Impressed by the care she had received in hospital, she had especially enjoyed her star status among nurses, who had asked her if she was the Monica Baly whose chapters on Social Policy and Change in a standard textbook had helped them pass their exams.

Monica the historian, who had been working on a history of the Middlesex Hospital, where she had trained, also spent much time delving into the archives of the Crescent, and sharing her discoveries with us all in past issues of the Newsletter.

But there was also Monica the charitable, forever collecting for one good cause or another. Monica the volunteer worker, involved in many worthwhile activities, and sharing her knowledge and love of Bath and the Crescent with visitors to the Museum at No 1. Monica the good friend, whose cheerful rising laugh often echoed along the Crescent as she stopped to talk to friends.

She could be demanding, as those who worked with her when she edited the Newsletter may recall, but that was because she expected others to match her energy and her own high standards. She could be touchingly vulnerable, too. At a recent RCS cocktail party, looking resplendent as she did on festive occasions, she was, uncharacteristically, belittling herself. None of her achievements, she felt, matched that of being a married woman. There was sadness there, for many years ago; her fiancé had died before they could marry. Yet, as another visitor the Rector of Bath Abbey said as he went, 'I always feel better for seeing you, Monica'.

Sadly, that privilege is now denied us all. For no sooner had Monica returned to the flat she loved so much, and had lived in for many years, and expressed her pleasure at being home, than she was felled by a massive stroke, and died without regaining consciousness.

The world is a poorer place without her.

Barbara Walker

I shall miss Monica Baly's energy and enthusiasm a great deal. Her first love was of course the nursing profession, its improvement and recognition. Her many innovations, her erudition on all nursing related matters, especially Florence Nightingale, live on. But her second, fervent passion was the Royal Crescent and the City of Bath. She worked tirelessly for the Crescent and with the Society's first Chairman she virtually was the Society for many years. Her high standards have been tough to try to live up to. Her watchword of "Eternal Vigilance" against the many threats to the Crescent must be ours who succeed her. A remarkable, lively and kindly lady whose demise mercifully took place in the place she loved so much. Current and future generations of residents owe her a considerable debt for all she did for the Crescent; she made a difference and we shall need to work harder without her.

Michael Daw Chairman

Sheila McCullagh MBE

For over 20 years Sheila lived with her partner Lois at 27/28 Royal Crescent and will be remembered by many. Shelia was awarded the MBE for services to children’s literature. Her Library of works covers fifty years and some 300 plus children’s books, which introduced many children to reading in the 70s, 80s and 90s and one series ‘Puddle Lane’ was made into a TV series. Her huge writing success enabled her to travel the world going to the Antarctic with artists and naturalists Peter Scott and Keith Shackleton in the 70s and far flung places such as Easter Island, Madagascar, Galapagos Islands etc.

Dr. Lois Myers

Lois Myers lived for over 20 years with her friend Sheila McCullough OBE at 27/28 Royal Crescent. Lois was a distinguished oncologist and conservationist in her native Canada. Together, they travelled the world, journeying to the Antarctic with artists and naturalists Peter Scott and Keith Shackleton in the 1970s and far flung places such as Easter Island, Madagascar, and the Galapagos Islands. She had a formidable collection of natural history books and fine art and was always generous offering champagne to visitors!

John Forster

John moved to the Crescent in 2005. He was a native of Cornwall, educated at Harrow and qualified as a Solicitor with his own Practice in the West Country. When he sold his practice and retired he worked part-time as a 'Head Hunter', was an active fisher and shooter and served on the Royal Crescent Society Committee in his last years. He passed away at the end of April.

Tony Peake CBE

Tony lived at number 18, was an member Royal Crescent Society Committee for a number of years and was a keen Bath Rugby fan. He was formerly MD at VSEL (Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering ) in Barrow-in-Furness and received his CBE in June ‘93 for services to industry. He passed away at the age 78 in July.

Residents of long standing will remember Reggie Forrester and be sorry to hear of his death in February. Besides living here for some forty years, with his wife Joan (who died last year), Reggie was a Member of and Selector for, the MCC, travelling to the West Indies as their representative for the West Indies Tour. As a local solicitor he administered the Lawn Fund for the Royal Crescent single handedly (until it was formally taken over by the Society), and carefully maintained the original 1 9th century records, which are now in the hands of the current Chairman. Reggie was fierce and controversial in his view of how the Crescent should "be" and one of the Society's early Chairmen (1976 86) and during his tenure the first shots in the battle to ban single-handedly coaches were fired, the Newsletter was initiated (against his initial reservations but with his subsequent rapid endorsement) and the foundation for good relations with John Tham in his first development of the Hotel, in 1978, instituted.

In recent years his stately appearances in the Crescent became less frequent as his health declined. Our sympathies go to his daughter Charlotte and the family.

The late RAC Forrester

Last issue's obituary for Mr Reggie Forrester only hinted at his many and distinguished lifetime achievements. These were fully recorded elsewhere. Our piece was intended to concentrate on his immense contribution to the life of the Royal Crescent.

Now, in a most generous gesture his daughter, Mrs Charlotte Shafto, has asked that her Father's memory by permanently reflected here. Accordingly, she has donated the handsome sum of £500 to the Society and has graciously agreed that this may be put towards the Railings Restoration Fund. Residents and future generations may be duly grateful. A Memorial Service was held for Mr Forrester at his natal village church at Lea, near Malmesbury, on the 14th May. Michael Daw attended to represent the Society.

Meanwhile the winding up of the estate is attracting national and international attention. The contents of the house including wonderful hats, furniture and a fine Edwardian Dolls House were sold at Phillips on 14th June: prices exceeded all forecasts, boosted by transatlantic telephone bids. The house itself, a rare example of a Crescent property unaltered for nearly 50 years is currently with Cluttons; we hear the asking price is close to £ 1 m.

Michael Daw

 Mrs Garden (Newsletter 51 Autumn 2003)

Mrs Garden, who died on Saturday March 26th 2003, had lived in No. 5 for many years and was just short of ninety years of age. Mr Carrier, formerly of the Crescent, remembers 'her bird like delicacy and dark plumage'. Mrs Morel, a former neighbour, visited Mrs Garden regularly and was a good friend. She recounts Mrs Garden's married life in Sussex after her husband's death Mrs Garden moved to Marlborough Buildings in order to be near her mother and brother who had taken up residence In Nos. 27/28 The Royal Crescent.

Mrs Garden belonged to many societies and would often travel to London to take part in their social and cultural events. Her support for the Conservative Party was unwavering. She was indomitable, outspoken and at times reclusive. No one was ever Invited to her flat in the Crescent, where she lived exclusively on roast lamb, honey and yoghurt. In recent months she had been living in a nearby nursing home.

Mrs Morel says that we have lost a true eccentric, and reports that Mrs Garden grew very mellow In her last days.

Alfred Clifford Gibbs (Newsletter 37 Summer 1998)

Clifford Gibbs, aged 95 years died in the night of May 26 having been in Bath shopping the day before. Deborah and Clifford Gibbs lived in the third floor flat of No 17 from 1967 till 1989 and were early supporters of the Society; both served on the Committee, and Clifford for some time acted as Auditor. For years Clifford was a familiar, tall and dapper figure, many will remember him sitting in a deck chair on the lawn with his Panama hat tilted over his eyes, reading his Sunday paper. Since they moved to Lansdown Grove both Clifford and Deborah have retained their interest in the Crescent and have enjoyed the Newsletter. We send our sympathy to Deborah and her daughter, Angela.

M.E.B.

Joan Forrester (Newsletter 37 Summer 1998)

Members of the Royal Crescent Society whose memory goes back some way will be sorry to hear of the death in May of Joan Forrester. Joan, together with her husband Reggie was one of the founding members of the society 25 years ago. Joan, herself was an authority on the Crescent, her mother had lived in No 25 for years which Joan eventually inherited. She and Reggie, who was a solicitor in practice in Chippenham came to live here in the early 1950s. Always beautifully groomed and elegant, to some she might appear aloof, but once known she was interesting and well read with a great sense of humour. The way to her heart, and Reggie's, was to talk about Cricket; they were both intensely knowledgeable, with Reggie as a Selector attending every Test Match. In many ways they both represented another era, but 1 remember Joan with affection for the many small kindnesses she showed towards unexpected people and as a link with the pre war Crescent.

Sadly we have not seen Joan for some time: loss of memory and declining health have kept her from the outside world. Our sympathies go to Reggie and her daughter Charlotte.

M.E.B.

Mrs Marjorie Wilks (Newsletter 34 Summer 1997)

Residents will be sorry to learn of the death of Jo Wilks on 5th June, the sister of Mrs Kersley who had lived in the basement flat of No 20 Royal Crescent for twenty years. Jo Wilks died after considerable suffering just 18 months after the death of her husband, Frank. They will be remembered by those who knew them as a handsome and charming couple, friendly, but little involved in life outside their close family circle. They fit, as few people do, Gray's lines: "Along the cool sequestered value of life they kept the noiseless tenor of days" And the Crescent the poorer without them.

Mrs Wilks leaves a daughter, Cheryl, and two much loved grandchildren, Matthew and Joanna, to whom we extend our sympathy, as we do to Mrs Kersley who has had more than her share of watching suffering and of bereavement in the last few years.

Mrs Esther Abbott (Newsletter 32 Winter 1996)

2 Royal Crescent

Mrs Abbott had lived for some time in the Crescent and was always dressed immaculately in 50's / 60's style. She had been a very good pianist. She had nursed her invalid husband with devotion until his death and she herself died in October.

Mr & Mrs Hall, winter 1996 (Newsletter 32 Winter 1996)

Basement Flat No. 27, Royal Crescent

Mr & Mrs Hall (Philip & Ann) were well known figures in the Crescent and were often to be seen walking their two dogs. They worshipped at the Abbey and were staunch supporters of the Concerts in the Crescent Ann Hall outlived her husband by some months before dying in sad circumstances. She had been born into an artistic family and sculptured very successfully in bronze.

Mrs Joyce Mitchell Dunmore (Newsletter 27 Spring 1995)

With much regret we record the passing of Joyce Mitchell Dunmore at the end of 1994 after a mercifully short battle with cancer. Joyce was a much liked figure in the Crescent, infecting all whom she met and helped with her energy and enthusiasm for life. Besides running her two widely separated homes and bringing up a very happy and lively family, she undertook much voluntary work and counselling and was the author of several best selling books under a non de plume. In recent years she had recently stimulated her love of the Crescent and was busily engaged on the refurbishment of her house The garden, with its possibly 19th Century layout, is now flourishing thanks to her work. She will be missed by all who knew her and whose lives she affected in her un assuming but very warm way. Our sympathies go to her husband and the rest of the Family.

Enid Langmaid (Newsletter 27 Spring 1995)

(July 1912. - 6th February 1995, aged 82 years)

Members were saddened to learn of the death of Enid Langmaid in Oakfield Nursing Home after a long illness borne with great courage and dignity with her main concern and interest others rather than herself. Enid was born in Ripley, Surrey, the daughter of Dr and Mrs Sutcliffe. Her father was a medical officer in the First World War and was taken a prisoner of war having stayed behind with his men when lie could have escaped. He died tragically of typhus in 1916.

As a young girl Enid showed great aptitude for dancing and became an exhibition dancer for the great Victor Sylvester; she was presented at court in 1933 and, in 1936, at the age of 24 years, she married the handsome naval officer Kenneth Langmaid. Captain Langmaid had a distinguished naval career and later was author of fifteen books. In their retirement Enid and Kenneth came to live at No. 27/28 Royal Crescent in 1955 in the days when the Crescent was like a village and all residents seemed to know one another and if there was more than six cars parked we thought something was happening. Sadly Kenneth died in September 1986 and is remembered in the Abbey by the cross he bequeathed.

Enid was a founder member of the Royal Crescent Society, she attended all the meetings, sometimes asking pertinent questions and she gave support in all our undertakings. The familiar sight of that slight figure walking around the Crescent will be sorely missed.

During her illness Enid was supported by her doctor, her friends and neighbours and particularly her long standing friends Canon and Mrs Shane Cotter. A regular attendee at the Abbey, which she loved, she was also supported in her faith by the Rector, Prebendary Richard Askew.

Enid leaves a daughter, Mary Rose who lives in America and two much loved grandchildren.

Monica E. Baly.

Mr Peter Greening (Newsletter 25 Spring 1994)

The Society is sorry to report the death of Mr Peter Greening of the Bath Preservation Trust who served as a co opted member of the committee for a year. Peter Greening was a valued member of the Trust and always a great supporter of the activities of the Royal Crescent Society.

Lt. Col. John Martin Woollam (Newsletter 24 Winter 1993)

It is with sorrow that we record the death of John Woollam on 17th November 1993 aged 79 years. John Woollam had borne a long and debilitating illness with characteristic humour and courage for some time and our sympathy goes to Elizabeth, his wife, his daughter Suzanna and his son, Philip who were with Elizabeth at the time of his death. For twenty years John Woollam was a loyal supporter of the Royal Crescent Society; we are especially grateful to him for his services as Treasurer for a number of years, putting our finances on a sound basis and organising our insurance. The Crescent will miss him with his sound down to earth common sense and humour.

Mrs Clifford Francis (Newsletter 24 Winter 1993)

We are also sorry to record the death of Mrs Francis aged 96 years who was for a number of years resident in No 5 Royal Crescent and the Widow of Judge Clifford Francis who also lived there. For several years Mrs Francis was faithfully looked after by her granddaughter, Mrs Annabel Trechmann.

Mrs Bertha Green (Newsletter 14 Spring 1990)

We announce with regret the death of Mrs Bertha Green of 19 The Royal Crescent, suddenly, but peacefully, at Clyde House on March 22. Mrs Green had lived in the Crescent for 13 years and before that for many years in the Circus and was a well-known and well-loved figure in the neighbourhood. A talented musician, Beth had been one time a frequent accompanist for local recitals; it was Beth who gave me the recollections of the Crescent in its heyday of musical soirees and in the early days of the Festival. An active member of Christ Church in Julian Road and a member of the Mother’s Union, Beth will be sorely missed. The Crescent will be poorer without her. M.E.B