To Anne Oakes Jones

All pathways across Shropshire hills and tracks of history
Led to her door, and shone in those shrewd blue eyes,
Alive with interest, humour and concern.
To many, she gave a lift over the threshold of marvels.
She took the vital sparks of lore and literature,
And made them inseparable from herself.
Busy with creative ideas, she still made time to sit
And read, absorb the things she loved,
And be the centre of gift-giving.
Our memory of her will be a cairn as lasting as
The gemstones of this bountiful land.

Nigel Sustins

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Remembered with love and affection over many years by her sister-in-law Sylvia and of recent times by Derek too. We have had many happy times in the beautiful area she loved so much. A very determined lady whose life touched many and who really made a difference. We will not forget her.

Sylvia and Derek

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Many private memories - rest in peace sister dear

Your brother John and sister-in-law Anne

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We were saddened to hear of her passing. Last September, we were given a wonderful family history tour of Shropshire by Anne. It was the highlight of our visit to the UK. We will always have fond memories of the time she shared with us to show us some of the places associated with my family that emigrated from that beautiful county so long ago.

Patrick and Debbie GarnerUSA

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Trevor
Sorry to hear of your sad loss.
Ann was a great beacon for tourism in Shropshire, and we attended a number of meeting concerning horse tourism at it's instigation. She will be sadly missed.

Moira Clements
Long Mynd & District Bridleways Association

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I'm very very sorry to hear about Anne. We met at a number of occasions and her company was always such a pleasure and her enthusiasm for the Shropshire countryside infectious.

Her insight and support will be sorely missed.

Julie Mellors
The Truly Useful Company

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All the staff at Shiloh Jentech would like to offer their condolences to Anne’s family.

Anne’s passing has been met with great sorrow. Anne was truly selfless in her giving of time and efforts to the local community. Anne’s continued support of Shiloh Jentech has been immensely appreciated and will not be quickly forgotten.”

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We never got to meet Anne, but from her phone calls, letters etc. to us, we could tell she was totally dedicated to Thresholds & it`s beautiful surroundings.I only had to mention that I was looking for Xmas cotton wool snow, and there it was put in the post to me.I am sure a lot of people have the same kind of tale to tell.You & your family will be in our thoughts on Saturday.

Lots of love Julia & Dave xx

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As a near neighbour and incomer, I was much saddened to hear of Anne's untimely death and offer my condolencies to Trevor. I regret that I shall be unable to attend the funeral owing to pre-booked absence at the other end of this island but I shall be thinking of you both on Saturday.

Andrew Wood

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I was so very sad to hear of Anne's untimely death. Anne was an untiring champion of Shropshire and particularly The Shropshire Hills with a seemingly unending reservoir of knowledge about the area, it's history, culture and folk lore. She worked tirelessly with great energy and enthusiasm to support and deliver the many initiatives she was involved in over the years. I shall always be grateful to Anne for her support, advice, kindness and good humour.

She will be sadly missed.

Lesley Davies

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Trevor.

Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss at this sad time. Although I had not spoken to Anne for many years, I was aware of her enormous contribution in helping people to appreciate and enjoy that part of Shropshire that she came to know and love. It came as a deep shock to learn of Anne's passing, and I am sure that she will always be remembered for her impressive achievements down the years at the Thresholds Centre.

Kind Regards,

Eric Challoner

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I would like to pay tribute to Anne's contribution to the local community over many years. She campaigned tirelessly on behalf of tourism interests in South Shropshire. She was a consistent supporter of the Church Stretton Area Tourism Group and the local Sustainable Tourism Network, as well as an ever willing activity provider for the local Food Fayre with her popular rubber-stamping workshops. She has helped to lay the foundations for the progressive eco-friendly development of the Shropshire Hills as a tourism destination.

My sincere condolences to Anne's family.

Cllr. Bob Welch, Chairman and Mayor, Church Stretton Town Council

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We offer our deepest sympathy to Trevor on the sad passing of Anne. With sincere regards from the Idonian Wallking Group. We were made so welcome by Trevor when we visited the site in the middle of June this year when Anne was ill at home.

Beryl Haynes on behalf of the walking group

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Our thoughts are with you and our deepest sympathy Trevor

Love Jackie & Gavyn

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Steve and myself were greatly saddened to hear of Ann's passing.
Although we had only known Ann a short time, her support and
encouragement for our heavy horse event were of a great help to us.

Amy Holmes and Steve Ledsham

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Anne was an inspiration to many of us in the tourism business. She encouraged - and much more than she realised - helped with a wise counsel, without forcing opinions on us. In my early days in business, and living close by in Minsterly , I was able to draw on her knowledge, then her friendship as I got to know the ropes.

Later when I needed support as the newly appointed Chair of the Church Stretton Area Toursim Group, Anne gave her full support without question, as she realised the importance of a viable, effective tourism operation. For that support, I am eternally grateful, as are my colleagues.

But I will remember Anne for her courage - not only in this illness, so cruelly striking her down so young and with so much more to give and achieve- but to take on issues that were vital to building a strong tourism industry and she never stinted in challenging when she thought - and usually rightly - that an issue was worth fighting for. Many people may not have welcomed some shallenges to their authority and ideas, but everyone appreciated the common sense and vigour that she stated her case.

Such a sad loss to a wider community than her immediate family - deep condolences to Trevor and her family.

Alan Garner