Francine WINHAM Obituary

Better late than never, Francine. We adored meeting you and enjoying two New Years at Jold Wynds. Always remembered fondly.

Francine was an amazing woman and an amazing friend. Generous in every way possible, she could forgive mistakes without losing one iota of the faith that she'd originally invested into an erring friend. I've never met a more genuine person, treating celebrities & 'commoners' alike. My words you see, as Francine didn't differentiate; people were people - she either liked you or she didn't; there was no pre-tense whatsoever. Joldwynds was a special place. Architecturally stunning & with views to die for, yes but that wasn't what made it the modern day Brideshead that those of us who were lucky enough to spend time there will revisit in our minds until our dying day. It was not just her interesting and eclectic guests that always made Joldwynds different & exciting, it was also the indescribable atmosphere that pervaded no matter who was there - Joldwynds default position. Nowhere in my experience was so relaxed; nowhere so forgiving. Ok, you were expected to appear for lunch but even that wasn't sacrosanct. I have never felt so comfortable anywhere in my entire life and that was thanks to Francine. Seemingly laid back but, g-d knows she knew what she wanted, she never/rarely interfered with her guest's pleasures or routines no matter how bizarre they may well have seemed. Throughout the 30 years that I was lucky enough to spend as an occasional visitor to Holmbury St Mary, there was one other constant whom one couldn't ignore for all the tea in China. Brenda Cole or B, as she later became known to many but not to me, ruled the kitchen and the upstairs/downstairsary, (such as it existed) with kindness and professionalism. She was firmly considered (by those in the know) to have her own rating system for guests, whether long term or fly by night and in many ways and to my belief, it was Brenda who often protected Francine from herself. Don't get me wrong, Francine was nobody's fool - no pushover was she. Furthermore F wasn't someone you messed with but she was extremely loyal and that could sometimes mean that she allowed people to take advantage - so Brenda, the hard working, committed, dedicated house keeper and friend sometimes had to raise some doubts. She was part of Francine's team and together with Gareth did their best to look after F in every way that they could. Francine always gave us a cheeky, cheeky smile when singing the incredible (often naughty) jazz songs that she managed to unearth from the archives - her broad knowledge was at the very least awesome. She entered the Ladies Bridge World Championships without another thought alongside the friend she met at 17, Carol Adler and struck me as someone with no fear. I truly hope that my dear, dear friend left this world in exactly the same way, fearless and without any pain. She was so very, very special - I loved her; my dear dear friend.

I enjoyed meeting Francine at the Summer Jazz School in France very much, she was such lovely company, a brilliant photographer, a very keen singer and surely a wonderful woman throughout her life! Her memory will stay!

I first met Francine at the MJSS jazz course in 2010, and liked her at once and admired her commitment to her singing and her ability as a photographer. It will not be the same this year without her. Sing on, Francine. You have a whole new audience now.

With fondest memories of you, Francine, such a beautiful, generous and talented Friend.

She touched my life and will not be forgotten...

Maria Ksiezopolska, Mystic, Connecticut

My deepest sympathies, from long ago. Aidan FC

All sympathy to Josephine, Francine & Phillipa on your sad loss. Although I don't remember meeting Francine I know she led a very interesting life, & I'm sure you have wonderful memories of her.
My thoughts are with you.
Deborah Holt (Daughter of Patricia nee Holroyd)