We were extremely fortunate to have Iris' help during the National Urdd Eisteddfod held at Llancaiach Fawr in May 2015- having known her for many years through the Gelligaer Historical Society, she answered my call for help from Welsh speakers to be in costume as one of the servants of the manor in 1645. Of the over 88,500 people who attended the festival of Welsh language literature, poetry, music and song for youngsters from all over Wales, 4,000+ took the opportunity to visit the Manor House itself and Iris welcomed every single one of them at the front door over the 6 days! She was in her element- History, the Welsh language that she had mastered so well and lots of new people to talk to- she had a wonderful, if exhausting, time! She walked to and from the village everyday, turning down lifts because the weather was good and because she said it was lovely to start and finish the day strolling gently along the footpaths. Her energy put the rest of us to shame...

Never one to shirk a challenge she decided to continue as a volunteer after the Urdd was over, developing her character as one of the servants and reading all the sources we could provide her with about the 17th century, the Civil War and especially the every day life of women during that time. When we were recruiting for paid relief staff she entered the fray and was appointed without hesitation. She had found a niche that suited her perfectly and I was delighted to have on the team such an enthusiastic historian who thrived on sharing her knowledge with our visitors.

That she was appointed to a new job at the age of 75 should make all of us evaluate our lives and consider whether we are making the most of every moment we have- Iris lived life to the full, she was a polymath and was involved in so many different groups, societies and organisations, all of which were enriched by her contribution. I shall miss our chats as she went to and fro the manor past my office door, the snippets of new historical information she had gleaned from a source that fascinated her, the latest bit of research into the books she was writing or random plant queries... all conversations had a purpose and a meaning and were based on a shared love of learning new things.

She had a zest for life and always walked to the beat of a different drum. I admired her attitude to life and disregard for convention greatly and feel privileged to have known her and been the recipient of her kindness and friendship.

Diane Walker- Llancaiach Fawr Manor