The Shirly Line Guest Book. To record your thoughts or memories of Shirly please click the Add your Entry link
Email: castel [at] ix [dot] netcom [dot] com
Mike and Sue
In 1972 we were blessed to have Shirly enter our lives in Sevenoaks as our housekeeper and as nanny to our son Nicholas, a task she performed with love and care and humor. To say that he was a handful would be an understatement, having been torn between his birth parents in a divorce. But Shirly patiently and persistently guided him through, never appearing to discipline, but always coming out on top.
We have never met a warmer, more caring person than Shirly, yet one who would brook no nonsense from anyone. She expected you to take her at her face value, and for you to be just as open. One of our fondest memories is of a Christmas spent with Shirly, Tracey, and Paul in our home in Sevenoaks.
In 1974 we moved to the United States and have lived in Houston for the past 34 years. We have kept in touch with Shirly down the years, and always marvelled at her capacity for living life to the full. In September of 2007 we were able to share a visit with her in Westgate, and again feel blessed to have had one last opportunity to share her joy and energy.
Shirly, thank you for sharing yourself with us.
Linda
I met Shirly quite recently, 5 yrs ago, we had an instant rapport and did she make me laugh. She was so warm, so caring, so 'to the point' (took no prisoners as my husband would say) and her down-to-earth commonsense was to be envied.
I would visit her to cheer her up and she would be delving into my problems and raising my spirits and making me laugh - so much. Whatever she was battling with whether it was health problems, a publisher, her 'damn' computer or something more personal her amazing optimism and sense of humour shone through. I miss you Shirly my very dear friend. 
Sean
Shirly
You were the warmest, wonderful, crazy person I have met. The panics and fun we had sending Oysters to Switzerland and the friendship that then lasted many years. You leave a hole in mine and many other people’s lives.
Email: martyn [dot] freeman [at] virgin [dot] net
John Freeman
I became Golf Professional to Droitwich Golf Club in March 1954. During this year I came to know Shirley and new husband, Roy. Two years later Shirley began to take golf lessons with me, and before to long she was good enough to cope with playing the course. She played in many club competitions and developed a great love and understanding for the game of golf.
We all know Shirley had a great sense of humour which certainly helped when playing golf, and her fun attitude to life made her many friends.
During the year 1956 she introduced me to my future wife to be, I shall always be grateful for this. The result of this was 46 years of marriage until Margaret lost her battle to cancer two and half years ago.Over the years I have had many occassions to thank her for that intoduction.
Shirley achieved many things in her life, one such big achievement was the organising of the SPARKS celebrity golf tournament held at Broadway Golf Club in 1989. It was hosted by Micheal & Mary Parkinson, through Shirleys drive, determintion and personality it attracted may celebrities inc. Geoff Boycott, Jasper Carrott, Micheal Grade, Max Boyce, Ann Robinson, Lesley Phillips and Lance Percival. Not only did she come up with celebrities she persuaded local businesses and hotels to sponsor and donate for the event. A fantastic day for all involved and a healthy £10,000 cheque for the charity at the end of the day. A day that is still remembered by the members of Broadway that took part.
God bless you Shirley you always made a big impact on the people you met, you will be sorely missed by all that had the pleasure to be a part of your life.
Thanks for so many happy memories over so many years.
Email: margaret [dot] lashbrook [at] lineone [dot] net
Margaret and Tony
I first made contact with Shirly when the company I worked for published her book Essential Oils of Life. I handled the publicity and she was always willing to give an interview no matter how big or small. As I was based in Kent and Shirly lived in London our friendship was confined to the telephone. We didn’t even have email back then! When she later moved to Westgate that friendship grew. She also became close to my husband Tony who once a month would phone for her ‘booze and oyster’ order before setting off to Calais! She was a one-off and we miss her. My only beef with Shirly was her complete independence. She never told us when she was going into hospital – only when she was back home. But that was the kind of person Shirly was – not wanting to worry anyone.
Email: deb21west [at] aol [dot] com
Debbie Weston
Shirly and I were neighbours - we moved into our homes at exactly the same time on the same day in August 2003. We were great friends and partners in crime, and I miss her very much.
Email: angela [at] treehousepr [dot] co [dot] uk
Angela Oakes
I first met Shirly 16 years ago through the Oyster & Seafood Fair at Hay's Galleria in London, which my agency still organises. With her typical energetic and creative approach she had created this highly successful event back in 1990....it has run for 17 years and is an on-going testament to her passion for oysters and all things fishy - she will always be held in great esteem by oyster aficianados everywhere.
Email: drdick [at] spidernet [dot] com [dot] cy
Dick and Pixie Richards
Shirl was first my patient, later a colleague and later yet a co-author. Throughout all she was a treasured pal. Pix and I loved her very much. A breath of fresh air in a dusty world,.. and she taught me the best way to cook trout!
I'm suffering a smashed foot and can't travel to the celebration but we'll both be raising a glass eye,.. er,.. I mean a glass high on the day.
D & P
Email: carlo_paganini [at] hotmail [dot] co [dot] uk
Carlo & Anne Paganini
I became friends with Shirly some 20 years ago due to my working for Wheelers Fish Restaurants, & stayed friends ever since, with many great memories from Oyster Championships.
Shirly had a beautiful, generous soul. She was never happier than when talking "oysters" then her face lit up & her eyes shone like pearls. I Look to the sea & remember Shirly.Always in my heart.
Email: claudia [dot] lewis [at] bbc [dot] co [dot] uk
Claudia and Steve
I first met shirly almost 10 years ago when I was filming her for a terrible cable television programme called the A-Z of Food. O was obviously for oysters. Shirly "adopted" me and we remained friends ever since. She was like a grandmother to me, always there for advice and cosy telephone conversations. She sent presents to my baby Gracie, whom she never met , but who I know she had a picture of in her front room. Shirly was an amazing , caring, lovely, woman - we will both miss her hugely . Claudia and Steve , Gracie and Joshie xx
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