Margery and John Eagles
Margery Eagles was born on 29th January 1918 at New Farm, Corsham (which is still owned by the family), her parents being Harry and Lilian Pocock. She had an older brother, Philip, and a younger sister, Joan.
Her education began at home, with a governess called Miss Boyce, and she then attended the Girls’ High School, Trowbridge, which could easily be reached by railway as Lacock Halt was situated next to the farm.
She walked there over three fields, and recalled leaving her wellington boots in the hedge ready for the walk back home.
In 1937 she joined the 30th Wiltshire Detachment of the British Red Cross, and during the war was mostly stationed at Donhead House and Corsham Court, convalescent homes for officers. She also did ARP work. She ended the war as Assistant Commandant.
She met Dr John Eagles in 1946 and were married in February 1947 – a bitter snowy winter – at Lacock Church. For the next 45 years Margery’s principle role was supporting John. They always welcomed patients to their home when the surgery was not open and she helped with the cricketing teas, John playing opening bat for Corsham. They had a large garden in which Margery grew many flowers for cutting which were used to supply some of the decorations for the very active Church Flower group and their flower festivals.
Retirement was enjoyed to the full, with holidays organised by the National Trust. Time was taken to stay in touch with both of their extended families, and visited Bath most weeks.
John died on April 12th 2012. Having reached the age of 90 she decided to move to Bybrook Nursing Home, where she remained remarkably cheerful and was always very pleased to see friends and relatives and to hear all the latest news.
Acknowledgment: the Weaver family