Long-standing Members and Friends will be saddened to learn that Pauline Davison, widow of Colin Davison (former vicar in Stapleford and one of the three founding members of the Magog Trust) died a few weeks ago following a short illness, aged 86. Geoff Hale, one of the trustees, attended her funeral at Great St Marys in Cambridge on 20 June. Pauline was later buried at Stapleford Cemetery alongside Colin.
Pauline remained in Cambridge following Colin’s early death (just prior to completion of the purchase of Magog Down in September 1989), bringing up her family while also being a social worker. She never remarried but continued to be active in the Church throughout her life, with a particular concern for those less fortunate than herself. Pauline was a former committee member of the T S Eliot Society and it was fitting that the first reading at her funeral was taken from the poem, Little Gidding, read by her daughter, Bridget.
Pauline was a Friend of Magog Down, always enjoying an opportunity to take her dog for a walk on the Down. I saw her regularly as we were members of the same walking group and Pauline regularly asked for updates on what was happening at the Down. Talking to Bridget, after the funeral, she also enjoys Magog Down and, having taken on Pauline’s dog, Molly, was planning a visit in the next few days.
An obituary for Pauline, written by her granddaughter, Bella, was published in The Guardian on Wednesday 18 July, which you can read via this link – https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/article/2024/jul/12/pauline-davison-obituary