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Pam's legacy of poetry
AN award-winning Seaford poet died on the day an exhibition featuring her work was opened to the public.
Pam Hughes passed away on Friday August 8 after a battle with cancer.
The 66-year-old was described by her husband, Cllr Ralph Taylor, a former mayor of Seaford, as a 'loving wife'.
Her latest work featured at the Hop Gallery in Lewes for the unique exhibition Shadow on the Downs, which saw her poems displayed alongside the work of contemporary Sussex painter Harold Mockford, and it was curated by Pam's daughter-in-law Katharine Martin.
Pam's love for poetry blossomed following her move to Seaford and she was inspired by the surrounding countryside and landscapes.
Before she moved to the town, Pam, who was born in Biddeford, Devon, trained as a journalist in London and then as a social worker.
The keen long-distance walker, who leaves three children, Leo, Harriet and Ben as well as husband Ralph, also ran a mental health hostel while living in London.
Her son Leo said, "Mum cared about people passionately.
"So many lovely things were said on the day of her funeral. People talked about her enormous hospitality and openness.
"She treated everyone the same whether they were six-years-old or 60."
Pam, whose poem The Seven Sisters won first prize in the 2006 Second Light Competition, met Ralph in London while working for the Friends House in the late 80s.
Her role included speaking at local meetings and giving advice on various issues.
Pam and Ralph moved to Saxon Lane in Seaford in 1998 and had a Quaker wedding at the Little Theatre in Seaford the following year.
Ralph said, "She was a loving wife who introduced me to a loving family. She made me very happy during the last 18 years and the last ten years have been very special."
As well as poetry Pam, who has six grand-children and a step-daughter, Ella, also enjoyed cycling, gardening and had a great love of music and literature.
She took part in a creative writing course after moving to Seaford and then took an MA in the subject.
She also took an active interest in the Seaford Fairtrade Committee, becoming the group's first secretary and was also involved in the Peace Garden project at Crouch Gardens.
A funeral was held on August 14 at Eastbourne Crematorium, followed by a Quaker Meeting at Eastbourne Friends Meeting House.
A publication Shadow on the Downs is available at a cost of 8, plus 1 postage and packaging from 1 Elm Villas, Saxon Lane, Seaford, BN25 1QN.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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