Sandy, you were always so kind and thoughtful... and we always enjoyed spending time with you. Thanks for the fun you brought into our lives and all the happy memories. You will be sadly missed. Our love as always. Bobby, Tracy, Eilidh and Ava xxxx

Sandy was a much loved member of the NCI Team who gave 100% to everything she did. She was so looking forward to retirement and spending more time with family and friends. We are so saddened to hear this dreadful news and our heartfelt thoughts go to all her loved ones at this extremely sad and painful time. Love from Lianne, James & Graeme

I worked with Sandy for many years at NCI. Sandy was always smiling and had time for everyone. She saw the good in everyone and never had a bad word to say about people. She lived close to me and would often put things through the letter box for our daughter. She was always thinking of others. I’ll never forget her kindness, compassion and her sunny disposition. My heart goes out to her family at this difficult time. Amy, Matt and Lucy xxxx

Sandy became my friend when we worked together. She was one of the gentlest, kindest people I knew. Sandy always made time for people she was an exceptional listener but she loved to have fun and we laughed a lot. Sandy and I became such good friends as we both shared a great love for our families. I know she was extremely proud of hers, especially her grandchildren, but her interest in my family shone through too. Sandy was always keen to hear about my son and daughter, as is Bobby. Sandy saw me through my son's University days and my daughter's teenager years!! We also shared a love of photography and only this week when my cheery tree was blossoming I realised my lovely friend wasn't here for me to share my photos with as I did last year, nor the robin who has visited us everyday, I know she would have enjoyed seeing them. My heart goes out to Bobby, Elaine, Karen and their families, such a big loss for you all. Sandy was greatly thought of by many at NCI and she will be very much missed. Rest in peace my lovely friend, much love Jane, Graeme, Tom Rosie and Jake xxxxx

Friendship by Hazel Arber My friend Sandra and I met when I was eleven and she was twelve years old, that is fifty six years ago. Our fathers worked together in the Navel Dockyard in Singapore. At the time we both lived outside of the Navel Base and we were under curfew as the Indonesians were attacking Malaya. We were both bored at not being able to go out of the house so our dads arranged for us to meet by going back and forth to each other’s houses outside of curfew hours. A great friendship was formed. When hostilities ceased we lived inside the base. We had a great time going dancing at the Naval Club, joining the youth club, going to many parties, hanging out at the swimming pool with friends and having our favourite lunch - Nasi Gorin, drinking coke, we drunk lots of coke. We even tried Sequence Swimming. My dad taught us to play tennis., and we joined the Girl Guides. We would go the cinema every Saturday afternoon and we often babysat for Carol. We got into quite a few scrapes together but our parents always forgave us. Our parents were also good friends so we would go on holidays with them and often went to Changi beach at the weekends. Sandra and I went to our first pop concert in Singapore City, it was to see Hermans Hermits and we screamed all the way through it, even though we made a promise at the beginning not to. We had a good time in those three years, making many friends along the way. When I came back to England and Sandra to Scotland, my parents and I went up to Scotland for a holiday. Sandra and I went to see The Equals at a club and we danced the night away. We always did like a good dance. Over the years we both got married and had our girls. We watched them grow through visits, letters and photographs. Since then we have followed our girls’ children and our respective grandchildren as they have become adults again through visits, letters, photographs and now email and phone calls. Sandra and Bobby have always made Ron and I feel very welcome over the years, even giving us bed and breakfast when we have had stopovers on the way to our cruise holidays from Southampton. Sandra will stay in my thoughts and heart forever. We only ever argued once and we soon got over it, not many friends can say that. I love you dearly Sandra and I will miss you.

I remember Sandy fondly and i especially looked forward to seeing her photography on Facebook of the many birds she always captured in her garden or her days out,she would often post a picture of a Robin which she knew I was very fond of as it reminded me of my Dad who passed away many years ago,we would often share a little conversation together. Whenever I see a Robin now I will think lovingly of Sandy another person taken too soon from her family and those close to her.sending love to Bobby,Elaine,Karen and all your family.Hayley & Andi xxx

Sandy & I first met in Singapore in 1965. Our fathers were both MOD & we ended up near neighbours in the Naval Base. Our parents became lifelong friends, socialising & even holidaying together. I will treasure the 55 years of friendship with Sandy & will miss her very much. Sandy loved her garden & birds & every time I hear a Robin’s sweet song I will remember her. Our love to Bobby, Elaine, Karen & grandchildren. Sandy was so proud of all you have achieved in life. Thinking of you all, much love, Gina & Kev

I first met Sandy in 1988 when she joined the Thorngate Pantomime and Variety Company taking part in many pantomimes and shows together. We became firm friends enjoying trips to London to see shows. Lately we were seeing shows at the Mayflower in Southampton together. We both worked at Cheltenham and Gloucester until being made redundant in 2007. Lately we both joined Stubbington U3A enjoying quiz nights and Christmas meals. I am going to miss her so much! Love Helen.

To My Sister Sandra One day, too soon, it happened ..... In a blink of an eye So sadly your life ended Without a chance to say goodbye. My thoughts are with you always My heart aches for times not shared Rest well my lovely sister Now at peace and unimpaired. Life here won’t ever be the same Now you’re not near to me But when I hear the Robins’ sing Around me you will be. With love always, Carol xx

My mum My mum, Sandra, was a warm, compassionate and vibrant woman, who always went out of her way to help others.  She was a proud woman who had a passion for life. My mum was the best mum any daughter could wish for, she was always there for comfort, strength and support. My mum had a great sense of humour and my favourite memories were at Christmas time when she had all the family together and we would laugh so much. My mum taught me many things as a young child – good manners, respect and moral values.  These values have made me who I am today and for that, I thank her so very much. Mum, I love you so very much and I will miss you more than words can say.

Mum, you were the centre of our family, you held us all together. Whenever we needed a chat or had a problem to resolve, you were always there to talk to and help us through. You were the first person we thought of in times of need and you always knew the right things to say to make us feel better. You and dad couldn't do enough for all of us, your family was your everything. We know you were so very proud of all of your grandchildren, and you always supported them in the things they chose to do. You gave them the extra confidence to follow their dreams, also sharing common interests in musicals, theatre, photography and birds, all of which you loved. I have very fond memories of us growing up; the great family holidays and the days out we had together. We continued to do these with you together as adults, with our own children, Sam, Lauren and Bethany. We have lovely memories of picnics and walks at many country parks. For all of that I will be forever grateful. I love you mum and I will forever more. I will miss you dearly and cannot believe you have been taken from us so quickly. I know that you are now at peace, reunited with grandma and grandad. God bless x