Barbara Toogood

Barbara Toogood, 86, of Royal Wootton Bassett, was a keen member of the Royal British Legion, whose members provided a guard of honour at her funeral at St Bartholomew's Church on September 3.

She was also a member of the Royal Engineers Association (Bath & West Wilts and Swindon branches), and the Trefoil Guild, having been a leader in the Guide Movement in her earlier years.

Her family includes her husband Malcolm, with whom she shared almost 65 years of marriage. She also leaves two sons, Robert and Christopher, (born in 1956 and 1959) two grandsons, and two great-granddaughters, of whom she was very proud. She had many friends, including the four-legged variety, having worked at kennels as a school leaver.

Barbara (nee Mallett) was born in Hampshire and spent part of her early years in Egypt and the Sudan, where her her father was serving in the Royal Medical Corps. During the war, her mother returned with the children to England. They moved to Bristol after the war.

Malcolm and Barbara first met at a dance in Bath in 1952, and were married in 1954 while he was in the Royal Engineers. They settled in Wootton Bassett in 1966 and became involved in the local community. Barby met many new friends when she attended computer classes at Boroughfields for 18 months, and became very proficient, gaining a European qualification.

She loved small dogs, cared for wildlife, especially birds, and was a keen cook, noted for her delicious chocolate cake. She enjoyed camping and caravanning in the West Country and on the continent, and often accompanied her husband on work-related travels.

The service in church began with a recording of Some Enchanted Evening, by Perry Como, and concluded with Unforgettable, by Nat King Cole.The hymns included All Things Bright and Beautiful. After the service, refreshments and reminiscences were shared at the Conservative Club. Donations in memory of Barbara, for Prospect Hospice and Malmesbury League of Friends, may be sent c/o Maslin Funeral Service, 118a High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett SN4 7DU.