Royston arts community loses ‘lovely’ retired midwife Margaret

Margaret, who was a midwife from the late 50s until she retired, helped establish the society in 1978.

She still attended most of the group’s demonstrations and exhibited her paintings in the Royston Library.

Royston Arts Society committee member Stacey Leigh Ross said: “The thing I remember most about Margaret was her dedication to painting, she seemed to do it a lot, and to enjoy the actual act of painting itself. I felt like she painted for the feeling of being immersed in a painting rather than for the result it yielded.”

Margaret passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, February 18, at the age of 83.

Former chairman of the Royston Arts Society, Val Pettifer, took the photo above about four years ago at a pastel workshop in Market Hill Rooms.

She said: “I remember how much Margaret enjoyed it. Although pastels were a new challenge for her I remember her enthusiasm, and she really threw herself into it, hence the proud picture of her posing next to her finished painting.

“She was a lovely lady, very likeable and always keen to help out in any way she could with the annual exhibition – and trust me I needed as much help as I could get.

“I’ll miss not seeing Margaret at the demo evenings, she rarely missed one, although I have to say she often nodded off, but that was part of her charm!

“Margaret leaves a hole in the RAS which will never be filled, I’m sure every one who knew her will feel the same way. RIP dear friend.”

Former secretary of the society, Brenda Brown, said: “She has been a stalwart of the society from the very beginning, having held various positions on the committee, and continuing to support the annual exhibitions until recent years.

“With a cheerful smile, and a friendly word, she was always ready to help out and encourage others to join in.”

Her recollection of the first 25 years of the society helped contribute to the history section of its website.