Back in around 1964, three generations of the Bowles family moved into a large House, 'River House' on the banks of the River Mole near Esher. I lived in a cottage close by. Rene and Peter occupied the extensive ground floor at that time. They converted it from a dingy victorian pile into a vibrant and handsome home. Always 'of the moment' in style, with a warm and friendly ambiance. Sharon and Tara were little girls and Darren was a baby. Rene was the most wonderful mother and Peter, his Father and Brother worked hard building their very successful business. Rene was such fun, so glamorous and attractive, utterly vivacious, energetic, enthusiastic, inventive, creative and above all a devoted and loyal Wife and Mother. However busy Rene was all those years ago, she always had time to make me a beverage (and probably a meal) give sage advice, laughing and chatting, a kind and patient friend. She loved and appreciated all her close girlfriends, I particularly remember Rita and June and Margaret. (Hope I've got the names right after all those years!) Eventually Rene and Peter occupied the whole of River House. Rene, who had such an eye for interior decoration, bid for the shop-fittings when the old Biba was sold off at auction. I think that it was quite a feat to dismantle the mirrored fittings and transport them back home, but Rene did it in style and created a magnificent Art Deco living space for their bedroom. I saw the children grow up and they all had such a happy upbringing, Rene always seemed to make the raising of the children easy and effortless, they would arrive back from school and jump straight into the swimming pool and spend hours having fun. Rene and Peter had the sort of marriage, which I hold on to as an ideal. Passionate and loving they really were soul mates, but also best friends, who could sometimes spar, then soon make up. They adored each other and their family. In a way their marriage was even greater than the sum of their parts, a marvellous entity. I am so thankful that I decided to pop in on an off chance to see them, two or was it three summers ago. They were both in the garden weeding, just happy in each others company. They pressed me to stay and have tea and cake and we had the most wonderful afternoon and chatted about the old days, but I was sad when they explained that they had both been unwell. Rene always spoke so proudly of her Grandchildren and will have been so sorry to have to leave her precious loved ones. Peter, brilliant, with a delightful and self effacing humour and Rene beautiful and accomplished home maker, what a wonderful legacy they have left for the next generations. Darling Sharon, Tara and Darren and the family, all my love. Penny x