Vera was born on 30^th September 1918 to Frank and Elizabeth Watson.  She had two older siblings, Bill and Violet Ayres, her half brother and sister.  Vera did not know her father as he died as a result of injuries sustained in the Great War. She grew up In Helmdon surrounded by her cousins and large extended family.

After leaving school she worked for Miss Shrimpling at the Post Office.  Later on she worked at Stone Gables and for the Brookhouse family at the Bell. She met her husband, Jack McHardy, when he came to work at Falcutt House as gardener for Captain and Mrs Lees.  Their marriage in 1959 was attended by friends and family.  Mildred, Vera’s niece, was bridesmaid.  They had a very happy marriage until Jack passed away in 1978.

Unfortunately Vera and Jack did not have a family of their own.  Vera loved children. She was another grandmother to my family and a dear aunt and great aunt to many, whether related or not.

Vera Loved her cottage and cats; there has been many a stray that has found a warm fire and plenty to eat in the cottage.  Her cottage was an open house.  Vera liked nothing better than to have two or three visitors in for a cup of tea and a good natter.  Everyone received a warm welcome.  She was a very generous lady, a wonderful friend and neighbour to many. She supported all the village events she could manage and was always cheerful even when the going was rough.  She enjoyed a full social life within the village and if Vera didn’t appear at an event someone was soon dispatched to see if she was OK.  Later on she really appreciated the help she received with shopping trips to the doctor’s or vets in the case of cats.  I think that all the love and friendship Vera gave was repaid during her last years in Helmdon.  Without that care she would not have been able to stay as long as she did.

Eventually she had to leave her beloved cottage and move to Culworth House.  On my first visit to her there I was unsure of how she would be but after a few questions about the village and the cottage she introduced several new friends, whilst proudly showing off her newly manicured nails.  Vera really appreciated the visits to her in Culworth by friends and family.

She was always such a positive lady.  She faced everything very stoically and was able to continue like this until ill health rendered her bedridden.  Vera was a friend to so many over the years.  She was the last of her generation in Helmdon and is sadly missed by many.

Carol Brookhouse (2024)