What can I not say about Ruthie, she was one in lifetime lady who had compassion  and understanding of every thing around her.. Ruth was there for us when our herd was threatened with being culled because of BSE, and then again when our herd went down with Foot and Mouth, and was culled. Ruth knew what the cows ment to myself and the family, and Ruth brought us much needed support. I remember her trying to get past the police at the road blocks  to get us much needed groceries, as we were not allowed to leave the farm for weeks , a pot roasted joint of beef which cheered up the sons! Such dark days, but made easier by Ruth…We both had a passion for farming and had many escpades which the then MAFF and of course the NFU tried their hardest to thwart us, trips to London to lobby the MPs and the Lords in Westminster, Bournmouth demo to shake up the Conservative partys conference , Ruth was there,  supporting the farming community … Our friendship needed no explaining….. We were both in hospital 52 years ago having just had babies, and in the next bed together. Ruth was a friend indeed and I for one will miss our chats trying to put farming on the right path. Ruth, you will be sadly missed, I for one loved and admired you so, such a very special lady … Sandy…