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Re: Kerren Simmonds is in hospital

Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2013 8:52 am
by Katharine
My memories of Kerren go back to our schooldays. She was in the year below me, and on the other side of the square - but as one of the most sporty girls in the school at the time she was known to all. We were both in the First XI Hockey for a term - I was a not very good Goalie, she was a Forward - fast and efficient.

We renewed a friendship through this Forum, I already knew of her work with CHOGA but her love and respect for the Foundation shone through. I did stay the night with her a few years ago and saw her CH memorabilia. Her knowledge is a loss to CH.

RIP Kerren, dear friend.

Re: Kerren Simmonds is in hospital

Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2013 9:38 am
by jhopgood
I met Kerren at a CHC commitee meeting and we then got "promoted" to the CHA Board.
Being almost exactly contemporaries, we were normally on the same wavelength and fought the CHA management from the same stance.
She was devastated when forced to resign from the board, but it did not diminish her love for CH.

Her last e-mail to me in October last year was signed

Hope our paths cross again sometime soon.
Love from Kerren


Would that it were so.

BTW, she was always fairly direct about her thoughts on people, and in the same note said

I always thought she was a p i t a - even forty or so years ago.

I assume pita is what I think it is.

Re: Kerren Simmonds is in hospital

Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2013 12:02 pm
by Angela Pratt
Oh so sad to hear but thanks for letting us know. I emember her at Hertford but also as organiser of Hertford reunion there several years ago when it was great to see her again after about 40 years.

Re: Kerren Simmonds is in hospital

Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2013 1:27 pm
by J.R.
Very very sad news indeed.

We never met but conversed by e-mail regularly. We definitely were on the same wave-length. Our eldest daughter and her eldest daughter and Grand-Daughter are both connected with Dorking Ladies F.C., and it was discovered that a forthcoming game next season was to played not many yards from where she had moved too. We had already agreed to meet up. Regretably, this is not now to be.

My condolonces to all her family and friends.

R.I.P. Kerren !

Re: Kerren Simmonds is in hospital

Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2013 1:31 pm
by J.R.
By the way John. P.I.T.A, DOES stand for what you think it does.

It's used regularly in football management circles.

Re: Kerren Simmonds is in hospital

Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2013 5:02 pm
by Mid A 15
I'm very sad to read this. I had no idea Kerren's illness was life threatening.

I never met her but felt I knew her through this forum and it was evident that she had a great love and regard for our School.

RIP Kerren you will be missed.

Re: Kerren Simmonds is in hospital

Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2013 6:11 pm
by AKAP
Very sorry to hear this news.

Andrew

Re: Kerren Simmonds is in hospital

Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2013 8:04 pm
by anniexf
CH has lost a loyal and committed supporter. This Forum has lost a good friend. RIP Kerren.

Re: Kerren Simmonds is in hospital

Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 9:06 pm
by Alexandra Thrift
I am very sad to hear of Kerren's passing. She was one of the kindest and cleverest of OGs. She helped to look after D.R. in her last years
and kept us all informed. I remember her at C.H. although I was very young but I remember her best from the Hertford CHOGA reunions where I walked her " good as gold" dog over Hertford Leas ( with Mary Lynch) and when we stayed overnight a couple of times at the Travellodge.I have some photos of Kerren linked on here from the Hertford Museum get together...I will try to link them again.A truly lovely person with a great sense of fun. So sad.Words are not sufficient.

Re: Kerren Simmonds is in hospital

Posted: Mon Jun 10, 2013 11:42 am
by adlop
Just seen the announcement about Kerren's funeral on Facebook in case any of you are interested. The post says:

"The Funeral Service for Kerren Simmonds (2s 57-66) will be held on 21 June at 10:45 at St Peter and St Paul in Rustington. All are very welcome."

I can't say I knew Kerren at all other than seeing her busy participation here and her absence will be felt by all users not just those who knew her well.

Re: Kerren Simmonds is in hospital

Posted: Tue Jun 11, 2013 11:13 pm
by Alexandra Thrift
Thank you for that .

Re: Kerren Simmonds is in hospital

Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2013 12:42 pm
by adlop
Updated info if you are planning on going or know people who might want to.

Message for all friends of Kerren Simmonds from Sue Howell Evans
Kerren's Requiem is due to take place at St. Peter and St. Paul's Church, Rustington on Friday 21st at 10.45a.m. Her family have asked me to co-ordinate a choir. If you would like to take part (and singing from the heart will be more important than vocal excellence) please let Margaret know so that I can get in touch with you with more details. Please phone anyone who might not see this message but who might like to be present. Margaret is on 01403 247665 or administrator@chassociation.org

Re: Kerren Simmonds 1948-2013, great Old Blue, great friend

Posted: Sat Jun 15, 2013 3:23 pm
by pab5967
Message for all friends of Kerren.
I have been asked to speak about Kerren at her funeral next week. We have been such close friends for the last 30 years, and indeed were at CH at the same time. We regard her as a member of our family, the greatest of 'aunts' to my five offspring and godmother to my son Nicholas who will be reading at the funeral. I want to reflect on her life in such a way that those who attend feel they have gained even more understanding of what a special person she was and how many people's lives she touched in her too short time with us. If you have a special tale to tell, and if i have space, I would be delighted to make reference to it - no guarantees though!, please contact me soon through this forum.
Polly Robson, nee Barrett CH 1959-1967

Re: Kerren Simmonds is in hospital

Posted: Sat Jun 15, 2013 4:04 pm
by Jo
I'm delighted you've been asked to speak - though obviously sad that it is necessary in the first place - Kerren mentioned you often and I know you were very close. I'm afraid I don't have any special tales to tell - I didn't know Kerren at school but have only got to know her over the past five years through CHOBA. I always found her warm, fair, passionate in defence of what she thought was right, and a tireless worker on behalf of CH, CHOBA, and Hertford Old Girls in particular.

I edit the obituaries ("Remembering") section of The Old Blue, and I would be very grateful if you would be willing to share your eulogy with me afterwards. I am sure arrangements are in hand for someone to write a formal obituary, given her many "official" connections with CH; however, if not then your words will be a great starting point for me in drafting something appropriate. If you are willing, I can PM you with my email address.

I'm sorry I can't be at the funeral but I am sure that, although a sad occasion, it will also be a fitting tribute and celebration of Kerren's life. Despite the fact I had only met her a few times, I felt I "knew" her online, and I am enormously sad she has gone so prematurely.

Re: Kerren Simmonds is in hospital

Posted: Sat Jun 15, 2013 8:50 pm
by seajayuu
There is loads that I can and have said to you Polly, but what I particularly remember from recent years (apart from her organisational skills) is the sheer pleasure that she got at her 60th birthday celebration from the fact that almost the whole of the first eleven of '65-'66 was there to celebrate with her! I also remember the sore feet at the end of it all!