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In memory of
Barbara Anslow (née Redwood) [1918-2019]
Regular readers know Barbara as a frequent and generous contributor to Gwulo. Using extracts from her diaries and letters, combined with her clear memories, she told us about life in Hong Kong as a child in the 1920s, and as a young woman during the long wartime internment at Stanley Camp. She helped countless people learn more about their own family's experiences in Stanley, often knowing the person, and able to share a story or two about them.
Heading into her nineties, Barbara just packed more and more into life, with visits to Buckingham Palace, giving the reading at a national event, interviews, talks, and closing off the decade with the publication of her book about her wartime experiences, Tin Hats and Rice.
Here she is in July of this year - aged 100, but you'd never guess it.
Though her mind was as sharp as ever, she told us she wasn't feeling great. Our regular e-mail exchanges slowed down, then stopped last month - her last message ending simply 'am still weary'. So Barbara, take your rest, you deserve it. Your generous and modest nature will continue to inspire, and you leave a wonderful legacy with your book.
Love, David
PS If any readers would like to make a contribution in memory of Barbara, her daughter Maureen asks for donations to the the St Helena Hospice based in Colchester. She says that 'the help we received from them during Mum's final weeks was immeasurable', and hopes that their service can be extended to more families in need.
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