I JUST wanted to add my tribute to the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire who passed away recently.
I have special memories of her, thanks to my American pen friend of more than 30 years, who was the lady who gave the Duchess her piece of Elvis's fence and various other keepsakes from Graceland.
Sara's house shares a perimeter fence with Graceland and she lived there with her parents when Elvis was there. The duchess purchased a copy – or rather, I believe, was given a copy – of the book Sara wrote on her experiences as Elvis's neighbour and a friendship was formed. She visited Sara in her home on one occasion and then, in 2009, when Sara was over here visiting us, she was invited for afternoon tea at the Old Vicarage where the Dowager Duchess was then living. My husband, Bill, and I were graciously included in the invitation.
We spent a wonderful afternoon listening to this remarkable lady chatting about her life and experiences, having been welcomed warmly and made to feel comfortable and welcome.
We were given a tour of the house, including a glimpse of the life-sized cut out model of Elvis in the downstairs loo! And of the beautiful garden too. It was a memorable and thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.
Duchess "Debs" was a truly amazing lady and Chatsworth will always be "her" somehow. I met her on one further occasion when Sara returned in 2010 with gifts from Graceland for the Dowager Duchess's 90th birthday. Sara promised to return for her 95th, but sadly now, of course, that cannot happen.We will always have our special memories though.
Margaret Hardeman
Fenton Road
Mickleover
