I received the very sad news this afternoon from a mutual friend that Hester was found dead a couple of days ago. I don't have exact details, but know that she had for some years been on a lot of medication. I'm not sure of her exact age, but it was around 28 years.

Those who don't know her personally may know her as the daughter of Ian Woods. She attended Wigan Folk Club whenever she could, and was also a staunch member of St Michael's Amateur Dramatic Society in Wigan. She had a beautiful voice, and sang mostly unaccompanied, although she was a very able player of violin, viola and cello. She was always cheerful despite her medical problems, and exuded enthusiasm for her music and was always regaling us with humorous tales about her job at the hospital, and about life in general.

She will be very, very sorely missed.

Joan