Mary Buckeridge

Mary Buckeridge, of Calne, who died on March 9, was born on June 1, 1920 and was the older of two daughters of the headmaster of Clyro School, Radnorshire.

In 1931 she gained a place at Radnorshire’s only secondary school in Llandrindod Wells 30 miles away and during the week Mary had to live in digs.

In 1936 she joined the civil service as a clerical officer, and started work in the Ministry of Health, Parliament Square, London.

She was a fire watcher during the Blitz.

In 1942 she volunteered for the WAAF and served in the meteorological service.

Whilst posted to Lyneham in 1945 she met her husband-to-be Paul Buckeridge who she married in 1948.

Paul Buckeridge was in the family business LJ Buckeridge & Sons, the grocer & wine merchants in Market Hill, Calne, a familiar site from the A4.

Paul was a local councillor and a leading figure in Calne conservation.

Her sister Pat went on to marry Paul’s brother John (having met as bridesmaid and best man at Mary and Paul’s wedding) and also came to live in Calne.

Mary had four children, was skilled in crafts, particularly spinning, dyeing, knitting and dressmaking, having a flair for colour and design.

She was active as a parishioner in St Mary’s Church and in other community activities.

In 1964 Mary became a social worker for Wiltshire County Council, initially in Swindon, and then from 1970–1983 based in Chippenham with Calne as her patch. She was very committed to her families and found adoption work particularly rewarding.

In retirement Paul and Mary travelled a good deal and remained very involved with local affairs and the church. Mary did voluntary work including a long stint for Calne CAB and Family Centre.

Mary was quiet but very strong and determined. She managed her husband Paul’s descent into dementia with exceptional determination and resilience, enabling Paul to stay at home for a much longer period than is usual. Paul died in 2012.

Mary is survived by her four children and six grandchildren.