Our Memories of Caroline
We have collected together some memories of Caroline Murtagh a long standing,
much respected and loved member of the Barnstaple and District Soroptimists.
Irene
Jenny, Caroline and I took part in the Saunton beach clean, arranged by Surfers Against Sewage – Caroline coming all the way from Exmoor to take part. Picking up the litter we were joined by a lady who was quite jolly, and had a lot to say – but wasn’t picking up much litter. All of a sudden she stopped, took out a hip flask and had a glug of whatever the contents were. Caroline’s face was a picture – and from what I remember, she was the only one to accept the invitation to share a drink. It gave beach cleaning a whole new angle ! I
Dawn
I remember Caroline standing tirelessly over
a hot griddle cooking Athelston cakes at the
popular stall we use to have at Pilton Green
Man Festival.
Another occasion years ago, and I can’t quite
recall what it was, but several of us were
drenched, but smiling, on Barnstaple bridge
due to the ‘inclement’ weather - and there
is a photo somewhere to prove it!
I remember Caroline leaving meetings slightly
early to regularly go to one of the local
supermarkets to collect donations of unsold
produce from that day, allowing her to create
some tasty meals the next day for the
homeless/vulnerable.
Although she had quite a way to come to
support Club events it rarely stopped her!
She had a terrific sense of humour which she
maintained even during lockdown.
Rosemary
Rosemary who ran her own wool and craft shop, 'Woolcraft' in Caen st, Braunton for many years remembers what a wonderfully talented woman Caroline was. She remembers being at a craft exhibition at Olympia, London looking at the quilts that had been made to celebrate the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The quilts were later given to various athletes from around the world that had competed. She saw the most amazing quilt and when she read the name she was astounded to see that it had been made by Caroline. When a woman alongside her praised it, Rosemary was able to proudly say that it was made by her friend. The woman replied that it was amazing workmanship and deserved 110% not 100%. Rosemary remembers Caroline as an amazing woman who did so much good.
Vanessa
I remember being at the Women’s Refuge garden one wet, cold, Saturday morning. Caroline was with us – about five of us in all – intending to rid the small, front garden of weeds and plant a few shrubs we had acquired, purchased or, In Caroline’s case, dug up from her own garden. She had hoisted a substantial holly tree out of mud and brought it to the Women’s Refuge. The rain started to pour as we worked – Caroline dug a slushy hole in the mud and plantedsaid holly bush, with the c omment, “Well, there it is. It will either grow or not!” She was as muddy as the holly bush – still smiling – and we all decamped for the usual cafe for coffee, having had to ask the owner if he minded so much mud in his café! Did it grow? Indeed it did! It thrived, despite having been planted in circumstances that any gardener would have said were entirely wrong! It formed a natural protective barrier to one of the ground floor windows, and is still there today, thriving, so many years later. Thank you, Caroline, for this memory – one of so many!
Jeannette
I would say that Caroline was a quiet, calm, patient,so talented but modest person. She was always available to drop her life to help with yours when needed. I shall miss her example and remember for a very long time.
Caroline Murtagh
After joining in 2004, we soon benefitted from one of Caroline’s many skills - she catered for our Human Trafficking Conference, without any idea of the number of attendees. On retirement she was the main cook at the ‘Homeless’ Diner, providing hearty meals for the most vulnerable as well as being a volunteer elsewhere. When diagnosed with cancer she was determined to keep going: she made Linus blankets and through ‘lockdown’ was sewing scrubs for her local Cottage Hospital. Her positivity about her treatment was a reflection of how she lived her life – with determination, serenity and a ready smile!
Irene
Irene talked about the lovely times spent with Caroline picking blackcurrants in her garden. We did this for two years, sitting in the sun, hardly speaking, but just enjoying the peace and quiet –and the sound of the birds. Precious times with a very special lady.