Annie and Gemma are walking 105 miles from Corton in Suffolk to Sutton Bridge in Lincolnshire over fours days (23rd to 26th May) in tribute to Gloria. Please press the fundraising link to sponsor them.

Gloria was born in Strood in 1942.  She was raised in Strood, Burham, Halling, and Wouldham, because her parents could never settle very long in any one place.  She and Michael met in about 1959, at the Mill Chemist’s Department at A E Reed’s Aylesford Paper Mill.  They married in 1963.

For over 40 years’ Gloria was a civilian with the Kent Police Authority.  She really loved the work with all her heart, dealing mainly with traffic incidents in their many forms.  In the late-1990s she got the one job she really wanted – manager of the Process Unit.  After she retired she disliked retirement so intensely that she took up charity work for the Barnardo’s shop in Maidstone.  She also helped out in the police canteen in Palace Avenue, and effectively became assistant secretary/treasurer for the police social club, also in Palace Avenue.

During these years, she became a staunch member of the East Malling Women’s Institute – also baking many dozens of buns, cakes, and sponges for the various events held by the WI.  She discovered cross-stitch, and counted thread embroidery, producing many wonderful works.  She loved this type of handicraft, and branched out into making greetings card for various occasions. 

Gloria was a devoted fan of The Archers, and listened to every episode for all of her long married life, until her illness brought this to an end.  She even overcame her intense dislike of computers, when necessary, so that she could catch up with any missed episodes via the BBC web site.  She also loved birdwatching and was a scramble demon.  She also collected frogs of all ornamental varieties.

Gloria, by nature, is very gentle and kind, with a dislike of most formal occasions, and hates having her photograph taken. 

Closely associated with Gloria and Michael’s long and happy marriage was their friendship with Francis and Sylvia, and their twin daughters, Anne and Jane, who are Gloria and Michael’s god-daughters.  This friendship deepened greatly over the years, and became one of very special significance.  This was in no small way due to their common faith and religious beliefs.  A very special friendship indeed, and one which continues to this day.

Woven throughout all these events were Gloria and Michael’s close association with their church – Holy Trinity Larkfield – over a period of at least 30 years. 

Goy's health has deteriorated over recent years, and she was diagnosed with CBD. She now receives 24 hour care, Mike remains constantly devoted.