Mingay History Web Pages (MHWP)

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Ann Mingay

Wife of Francis Neville Mingay who died on 10th September 2000

Born 24th December 1927

Died 11th June 2004

Mother to Lynne Jennifer Watts & Robin Neville Edward Mingay (Author)

Mother's Day 2001

Mum was born in Hebburn, County Durham, and always considered herself a 'Geordie'. Her father Albert Laird was an RAF man with the barrage balloons during the war. Albert was sent to Chigwell and this is where Ann met Frank, who was working with his father, (also Frank), at the family business. This was a Garage in Chigwell, (See Mingays of Chigwell), known as the Robin Hood Garage, still there today but looking a bit different. They had many adventures in Chigwell including being strafed on one occasion by a German fighter plane near the Barrage Balloon site during the Second World War.

They married on April 8th 1946 and wasted no time in getting the family together and Lynne was born on 27th February 1948. I took a bit longer to turn up on 6th February 1953. Mum held down various jobs, but eventually gave up work as the garage became more successful.

The 5 brothers were close, and there many parties, which we all remember fondly. Drinks would flow and the laughter went on until all hours.

They both had many caravanning holidays with us kids which I enjoyed enormously, but Lynne hated. Gwynn and I bought one of our own later on and shared many happy weekends and holidays with them touring the UK.

Dad unfortunately developed Parkinson's disease in the early 90's which robbed him of his mobility and dignity. It all got the better of him, and in 2000 he passed away in Mundford, Norfolk from complications, particularly recurrent anaemia. He was cremated at Mintlyn Crematorium, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, as was mum.

Ann found life very hard without dad, despite the help of the most fantastic neighbours in Mundford. She lost a lot weight until she eventually fell and broke her hip.

As with everything to do with her, she fought the hospitalisation and returned home. We then started a long fight to get her back to her old self. She was putting on weight and started to enjoy life again and her mischievous sense of humour started to return. Ironically it was during a vigorous bout of housework, she stretched too far and put her back out. A few days later her back went in to spasm and she was admitted to hospital to get herself sorted out. Again she used her wicked sense of humour to get through it. However she developed an infection which went to pneumonia and sepsis, from which she could not return. For once she did not bounce back.

The best way I can honour my mother is by a poem that was written by my father Frank when his mother Gertrude died.

 It reads...........  Death Certificate

                                                     Birth Certificate

I love my Mum'

Though she's not here,

At least that's what they say,

But actually she is you know,

Each night and every day.

When I rest my sleepy head,

I say goodnight and hear,

Her through the darkness gently calling,

Goodnight, Frankie dear,

'Get together it's time to rise,

Smashing diamonds for exercise',

At morning was her call to me,

That little piece of poetry,

Even now I hear her say,

Come now Frank 'tis another day.

She has gone, that's what they say,

But they don't know you see,

That mother never leaves,

At least that's so with me.

Thanks Mum & Dad.

XXX

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