Love this picture of Charlotte and the kids taken almost exactly 3 years ago on my daughter Mabel’s birthday 2011.
Picnic in the lounge followed by lots of dancing to Christmas music. Lovely day.

Always in my heart.
Merry Christmas
Love Ruth x

Today would have been Charlotte’s 39th birthday. I thought of her with an extra big smile today and decided, what could be better than marking the day with her famous clown photo!

Seb came round for tea yesterday. He was absolutely thrilled to be able to take Snowy the seal – the class mascot – home from school for the night!

Seb and Snowy The Seal – photo taken by Carrie, Seb’s nanny

Pringles and Dip – Charlotte and I

I met Charlotte in the summer of ’96 in the grounds of Peterborough Cathedral, I’d just returned from travelling and had arranged to meet up with some old work colleagues on their lunch break. It’s fair to say I spotted the new girl amongst them straight away. To cut a short story even shorter, we went on a few dates which fizzled out, and as I recall we lost touch for a few months. Then out the blue, my boss informed us all that a new girl from the John Lewis display team would be starting on Monday. My face must have been a picture as I was immediately interrogated as to how I knew Charlotte.

It’s fair to say we had a good laugh working together, I remember Charlotte saying we could have fun with the gossips and rumours. Charlotte displaying a wonderful sense of fun and mischief, as well as an old head on young shoulders. Often Charlotte would take people under her wing willing them to succeed, “see Jeremy, you can do it when you can be bothered” she’d say with a hint of frustration at my laid back approach.
I would wind her up on such occasions with a suggestive remark, and she would laugh and say “what are you like?” We both enjoyed the healthy banter (Charlotte is good copy as they say). Charlotte certainly showed at times true 90’s girl power, demonstrating to me how when shaking hands with men she would extend her middle finger so it pressed against the inside of the other persons wrist, imposing a stronger presence.. other demonstrations of this included being on the end of a belting slap across the face (I deserved it).

Whilst working together we often went out into Stamford and Peterborough taking in live music (jazz bands), bowling and pubs. I was sad when she left to go to H&M, but had known Charlotte simply needed a change. It’s at this point we became even better friends. Both of us enjoyed the arts and took a few trips to London during this time (as Charlotte recalled I would make my “gourmet sandwiches” for the coach trip down). 
We walked everywhere, Charlotte often started to flag and complain how she couldn’t walk anymore, I remember us getting lost close to Waterloo Bridge in cardboard city and Charlotte remarking we needed to get out of there quick. Not one to panic we did navigate our way out having been followed! Charlotte commented that I’m a good person to know in a bad situation (I’ve always remembered this).

Also I remember being dragged to Camden so Charlotte could browse the jewellery and nic-nack stalls, and trying to get me on one occasion to spend all my cash on a sitar. I eventually settled for a tape of Indian fusion music which I found in the garage a few days ago. Having gone to London I asked Charlotte if she wanted to go to France not Paris as none of us could stretch to that back then, but Calais on the ferry.. I was thinking of a bit of a booze cruise. Charlotte always being up for new adventures and a change from the norm loved the idea, not that this was going to be the cultural delight that either of us were going to gain any worldly knowledge from… but boy, whether it was this fact or that during the Channel crossing, Charlotte lost her sea legs I don’t know…she wasn’t at her best, in a bit of a huff you could say. I tried to raise her spirits by offering her pickled eggs and pints of beer but… (ha).
 
I guess though out of all my memories with Charlotte my favourite times were when we’d ring each other up off the cuff, Charlotte simply saying “pringles and dip?” which meant a reflective time spent chatting and catching up over a film with Pringle crisps and dips …normally supplied by Charlotte. These were special times, Charlotte always had a calming influence on me and how lucky was I to have a friend back then in those wilder days who would listen (often with opened jaw and sometimes perplexed) and, like a sister, point out if possible a less choppier option. We exchanged wonderful messages this year and I will forever treasure our memories together, and like you noticed Charlotte, I have settled with an amazing wife in Catherine and our two young boys George and Harry…who knows one day they too maybe blessed with a friend, whom they can just “Be” and enjoy in total comfort their company.
 
Our door is always open to you Chris, Sebastian and Olivia should you need us…Pringles and dip at the ready.

Love to you all.
xxxxx  

I met Charlotte at the Art Lounge in Birmingham, about 10 years ago. It was a sweetshop for the modern art collector and I thought she was brilliant at the job of “A&R” for the gallery. She was passionate and enthusiastic, at no time did she tell me she, too, was an artiste.
I have two pieces of her wonderful art, one a poppy triptych that I bid for at auction. She had donated it to an appeal for the tsunami, and I was very happy to make my contribution this way. The other piece involved an argument with the gallery director, Terence McDermott, who wanted to buy it himself! I was thrilled with the wallpaper we found to mount it and Charlotte and Terry came to the house in ’07 to see it, and discuss a new commission.
I cannot imagine how difficult life is for Chris today and I extend my heartfelt, sincere condolences to her family and friends. Her legacy lives on in magnificent art that adorns many walls in the land giving pleasure, excitement and great satisfaction. I’m attaching the picture in my dining room, Charlotte was thrilled to see it hung beautifully and so deeply appreciated.
Best regards,
Tim Parsons and Angelka Dragas xx

My message for Charlotte.

I was on the TCH fam trip to Canada in 1999 with Charlotte and Anne Holmes and remember what great fun we had, especially the white water rafting, kayaking and horse riding. Driving along a very narrow, steep wiggly road on the way to our overnight stop at a ranch, I realised that I had almost run out of petrol, so Anne and I went to find a petrol station and told the rest of the group to head on to the ranch but unfortunately sent them in the wrong direction where they got lost. Anne and I went racing through the wilderness looking for them but failed and then had to raise a search party to find everyone. We were eventually reunited and set off in the right direction, arriving at the ranch in the dark. The highlight of the evening was sitting in an open air hot tub under the stars, drinking hot chocolate and laughing ourselves silly.

Sadly I got made redundant from TCH in 2003 and after 30 years in travel I made a big career change and moved into vocational training. When I was 60 I retired and now spend most of my time in Germany with a lovely German man, whom I have known for over 30 years. We still spend lots of time in England and I keep in touch with a few old friends from TCH, remembering the good times and the many adventures we enjoyed together.

Thinking of you,
Carrie

Stories Of Charlotte.

Photos 1 and 2
These are from our trip to Paris in 2009 – oh what fun. Charlotte was amazing as ever coordinating everything to perfection even with a little baby- Seb.
The photo no 1 is from the top of the Eiffel Tower . We had a good giggle from the start of the trip – white wine in St pancreas, when we met at the St Pancras train station in London and of course the giggle did not stop till we got back to the train station in London.
We ate in beautiful restaurants next to the Arc De Triumph and went to see the Moulin Rouge show – which was fantastic. A special memory for us all.

Photo 3
Now this was a fun time. Oh and yes a hen night to for Amanda Bett.
The ridiculous dresses are because of the theme of bad brides maids outfits! I believe Charlotte got hers in the charity shop! The lovely lilac colour and the boufont sleeves were enough to make her the winner!
She won the blow up doll ;-))
We had to eat dinner in those outfits in Chez Joules in Birmingham.

How I met Charlotte.
I met Amanda Bett through ante natal class 2005 and instantly we became the best of friends. It was obvious really that Amanda would have other such wonderful people in her life – one of whom was Charlotte.
I went into see Amanda in the Art lounge one day and was immediately drawn to a painting. I said how I loved it and Amanda told me the Artist was her friend Charlotte Latham and that she was coming to town!
It was years ago and am sorry to say I can’t remember the exacts!- (I also was pregnant and had a toddler too!) But I recall being drawn to such a beautiful person (Charlotte)and after dinner was introduced to such equal beautiful otis cat at the house in Moseley. The artwork on the walls was amazing and for someone not arty I have to say they took my breath away.
Conversations progressed as did pregnancies and Charlotte and I found ourselves pregnant and discussing the same Baby boys name – Sebastian!

Time passes quickly – all to quickly and the boys (Mine called Oliver in the end!) grew fast.

I remember a lovely birthday Party in the garden for Seb in the Bristol house just after moving down there and a very special visit from Charlotte back in Birmingham where Amanda and I got to meet the gorgeous Olivia.

Charlotte – you brought elegance and class, fun and laughter to all our girlie outings, the last being Dinner in Miller and Carter before Christmas 2012. Your’re so beautiful.

I guess I will shared with Jenny ensure the organization of our girls trip to Saunton Sands. A place I know you’ve recently enjoyed.

Lots of love, always to whoever reads this.

My name is Luella Cayless.

If you want to contact me you can do so through this website.

Please always feel free to come and talk – as one of Charlotte’s friends. Always welcome.

I’m not very good with words so will keep it simple.

Years ago in Peterborough I’d gone through a hard time and Charlotte was good to me. She introduced me to the Art Centre and took me down there a few times. May not sound much but people giving me their time was so important. As they say in Peterborough ‘thanks mate’.

Some time after we shared an adventure trip to Canada with a great bunch of people. Whale watching, a ranch, float plane, whitewater rafting and various other idiotic activities. Charlotte did the lot and I remember it with a smile every time I think about it. I’ve been back many times since but that trip and group of people will always be one of the best!

Big hug to you all. xx

Truly amazing lady who we’ve always admired and look up to, your such an inspiration and we’re honoured to have you not just as our friend but a sister. You’ll always be our extended family and your memory will live on in us and Chris, Seb and Olivia.
Thank you for being in our life and allowing us to be part of your family it truly is an honour to have you as a friend, one that is unique.
Love you always xx

Charlotte and Di

Charlotte’s Peterborough gang