THE society is very sad to report the death of our founder and long time secretary, Mrs Gwendoline Patricia Fulford, peacefully at home in Nantwich on Wednesday, November 11, 2009.

   Pat (as she was known to all) retired to Nantwich about 13 years ago after a long career as a headmistress in Sale. She immediately threw herself into local community activities, initially forming a residents association at the Kings Court development off Welsh Row where she lived.

   She successfully persuaded the developers to address a number of issues with the development. She continued with the residents association both as a social forum and to co-ordinate joint efforts for the residents to take over the management of the site from the developer's appointed management company and then to make improvements to the gardens including the installation of a fountain and ornamental gates.

   Her catering and organisation will be remembered fondly by all those fortunate to have been invited to the Kings Court summer barbecues and bonfire events.

   Pat also maintained her interests in golf, bridge and pottery following her move as part of an active social life with friends and family.

   When Pat found out that the former walled garden off Welsh Row was to be developed, involving the building of a large inappropriate building in the site, she was determined to try to halt this and preserve this important part of Nantwich's heritage for future generations.

   Pat always said that she woke up one morning and decided "I'm going to save that garden" and from that the idea of the Walled Garden Society was born. Beginning with a small group of neighbours and friends meeting in her living room in 2002, Pat began the campaign which was to become the Walled Garden Society.

   She was indefatigable in her efforts, meeting with councillors and developers as well as lobbying celebrities and both local and national organisations to further our cause. With her formidable organisational skills she co-ordinated the campaign as Secretary to the society until sadly forced to step down due to illness last year.

   Pat will be sadly missed by all her friends from both the society and outside and although she was not able to see her dream fulfilled of a restored garden within the walls certainly the currently proposed development is vastly more sympathetic than that originally envisaged, mainly due to Pat's great efforts.

Pat's funeral took place at St. Mary's Parish Church, Nantwich, on November 23, 2009. It was followed by cremation at Crewe. Donations were invited for Christie's Pancreatic Cancer Research.