Mum Mum you are always there for me Especially when times get tough I could say thank you a thousand times but that would still not be enough Whenever I need a helping hand Or a shoulder to rest my head No matter how you're feeling You'll put me first instead You're such a special person My Mum and my best friend I know you're always there for me On that I can depend You've loved me unconditionally From the day that I was born I'm so lucky that this amazing Mum Is the one I can call my own

Eulogy – Carol Banfield Kindness is defined as friendly, generous, considerate, selfless, and compassionate - Carol Banfield was all of these. Caroline Mary Banfield was born 1st November 1943 to Amy Folks and Alfred Powell, middle sister of Janet and Paula. Born in wartime, at 23 Old Market St Usk, where Carol and her family lived for a few years. They then squatted at The Priory before moving to the old bank on the square. Carol's father died when she was 4 years old, and the family then returned to Old Market Street, to the house where she was born and was to live in for the rest of her life. As a child, Carol enjoyed Ballet and later netball when attending Usk School. A young Tom Hathaway would walk Carol to school every morning, igniting a friendship that would last a lifetime. Holidays as a young girl were to Barry Island catching the train from Usk Station – where, as Carol recalled herself, she would chase the boys up and down the train with a water pistol! As a young woman, Carol trained as a hairdresser under Peter Hunney, travelling back and fore to Abergavenny to complete her apprenticeship. A skill she would utilise throughout her life for friends’ family and clients. Carol started her own successful hairdressing business from Old Market Street, and taught keep fit in the local area, always busy, living life to the full. In 1963 Carol married a young tearaway, Brian Banfield. Brian lived in the woods and would come into Usk to meet Carol where they would attend the Red Shed Cinema and go dancing. They were quite the showstoppers with their dancing skills and known as the best jivers in Usk! They were adventurous and would often go skating in Bristol and skiing in France. Carol and Brian bought the family home and enjoyed married life there and later bringing up their own family. Carol was incredibly proud to be an aunt to Nieces Melanie and Rachel, and to Nephew Matthew and Cousin Andrew. Carol went on to become a Great Aunt to 9 children. Georgina, married to Carol’s school friend Tom, became Carols lifelong and closest friend. Georgina recalls meeting Carol for the first time when seeing her walk towards her with her beloved dog Marcus the Great Dane. A fond and funny memory for Georgina and many as Marcus was bigger than Carol! In 1976 at the age of 33, Carol and Brian welcomed their son Mark into the world, followed 5 years later in 1981 by Hayley. Following the arrival of her own children, Carol took responsibility for the local playgroup, her influence and positivity increased its popularity and saw generations of local children attend. She became the famous Mrs Banfield, and a place in her playgroup was difficult to secure. Those children would recall the swimming pool in Mrs Banfield’s garden, the highlight of the summer for many with fond memories of shrivelled fingers having been in the water so long! Carol ran a happy environment for staff, parents, and children. Carol loved the children and loved her job – it was taken seriously but executed with great fun. In fact, Carol’s influence, support, and joy was welcomed by many families, being known as a grandmother to many. To quote from one special family’s memory, ‘her presence made the day a better one ……. and she holds a very special place in our hearts’. Carol’s generous ways did not stop there. As a neighbour she was welcoming and fun. Upon their moving into Old Market Street one neighbour recalled being welcomed with ‘2 bowls of trifle and the warmest of smiles’. Carol was the central hub of social life for her friends, always making a cake or scones, organising a get together or a team for Usk Open Gardens. With her neighbours Carol and Brian opened their garden and welcomed thousands of visitors to enjoy its pretty flowers and creative style. Carol won several Usk in Bloom awards for her front of house. Unfortunately, there was no award for the cleanest street – to which she took great pride – there probably should have been, the street would literally shine the day before judging! Anyone who knew Carol knew that she loved to clean! Carol is the only person who could do the dirtiest of jobs dressed in brilliant white and not get a speck of dirt on her! Her reputation for cleanliness was a well known and well broadcast fact. One friend remembers calling into see Carol and finding her hoovering her lawn – and no it was not artificial grass! Carol was not just an Usk butterfly but a social butterfly, enjoying many parties at 23 Old Market Street, she welcomed friends and neighbours. She also welcomed her children’s friends who would gather at all times of the night and day, they would often find they had clean shoes in the morning! Some grew so close to Carol that they never wanted to leave and have stayed in touch regardless of where their lives have taken them. Christmas was another time when Carol came into her own, organising dinner, whether at her house or Melanie’s! Giving everyone a job, including ‘bring a pudding ‘despite making 7 herself, yes 7! For Carol it represented warmth, togetherness, and family. Carol embodied community spirit and took part in events such as Late Late Christmas Show and Usk Carnival. She particularly enjoyed the jubilee which she said felt just like the olden days. She enjoyed attending local concerts and supporting the brass band. Carol also visited Graben Neudorf with the Usk Twinning Association following hosting German children herself. Mark and Hayley recall their family ski holidays, of which there were many, as the most treasured of times. Both becoming excellent skiers like their parents and of course well-travelled. In 2012 unannounced, Hayley’s brought a large bundle of joy home. A Great Dane named Duke. Carol loved him dearly and he bought so much joy to the family and smiles to Usk residents. Carol continued to be an active person in her later years, gardening, swimming, and returning to ballet when classes returned to Usk, reigniting her childhood memories. Carol had always wanted to be a grandmother, and despite not thinking it was going to happen, became one in June 2021 when Brianna was born to Mark. Brianna gave her a tremendous amount of joy and was much loved by Carol. Carol, wife, mum, Granny, Aunt, Cousin, sister, friend……………. your determination in life was incredible, you never gave up. You are not defined by your death, you are defined by your kindness, its just who you were. The family, thank you all for your kindness, messages and support, they are deeply touched.

A giant tree has fallen out of this world and onto the heavens, may your kind soul rest in perfect peace. Gone but never forgotten. Thanks for all you have done. xx