IT WAS understandable that Cheriton Fitzpaine parish church would contain many mourners for the thanksgiving service for Mrs Francisca (Fran) Meakin, who died at the age of 71, after a short illness.

Fran, who was born in Holland, was the first person Terry Meakin, a member of the RAF stationed in Germany, saw and spoke to when he went across the border to Venlo, in south east Holland.

He and Fran were wed in 1960 and Fran accompanied Terry wherever he was posted, in the UK and abroad. Latterly they lived in Buckinghamshire and Fran worked for the NHS. When Terry retired from the RAF they left their home in the Thames Valley and chose to live in Cheriton Fitzpaine.

The couple quickly integrated into village life, with Fran enjoying socialising, meeting and being with people. She derived great pleasure from being an active member of the Women's Institute and was known for her quick and infectious sense of humour.

Fran and Terry joined the village garden club and Terry became show secretary. For two years running Fran won the WI flower Cup.

A large display of flowers which had earlier lain on top of her coffin had been designed and arranged by her WI friends and was on view at the service, which was conducted by the rector, the Rev. Steven Smith. During the service Amazing Grace was sung by Malcolm Yeates, who accompanied himself on the guitar.

The retiring collection will be given to Hospiscare.