A Magnolia tree has been planted in the gardens at the Margate Caves in memory of ‘warm, witty and mischievous’ volunteer Patricia Watson.
Pat, from Margate, sadly passed away, aged 73, from cancer on March 25.
She had been a volunteer at the Caves since 2021 and ran the popular Messy Monday craft sessions as well as tending to the beautiful garden and taking on numerous other roles.
Originally from Grimsby Pat and husband Colin came home after running a restaurant and hotel in Spain, moving to Margate in 2017. Pat’s main career had been in social work and children’s services as well as being a young person’s advocate in youth court.
She was a foster mum to three children and also cared for their three siblings.
She met husband Colin in 2002 and they married shortly after. He said: “ I went to cook a meal and that was it, we were together ever since.”
The dad-of-two said her devotion the the welfare of children was also evident once she began volunteering at Margate Caves.
He said: “When she went to the Caves she ended up doing the Messy Mondays with all the children’s crafts, that (children) was a thing throughout her life.”
Pat’s crafting also included making some 1,500 knitted mice which were characters from her friend’s book ‘Mouse Tales of Castle Combe.”
The mice characters were sold in Castle Combe, Wiltshire, and have been sent to destinations all over the world.
Colin said: “Pat was known as the ‘mouse lady.’ She did individual orders as well for wedding parties or Christmas.
“She was feisty, determined but fair. Pat was just a lovely, little woman, who was only just over 5ft tall.
“She also looked after the garden at the Caves, that was her passion and they have planted a magnolia tree there with a plaque and also have wildflower seeds for people with Pat’s photo on to plant and remember her as they grow.
“The team at Margate Caves have gone above and beyond. They organised the wake at The Caves and they planted the memorial tree in her honour. I want to say a huge thank you to all the staff and volunteers for their efforts.”
A tribute from the team at Margate Caves says: “Well-known for her fantastic Messy Monday craft sessions, Pat joined the Caves in May 2021 and it didn’t take long for her to become an integral part of the team.
“Never one to stand still for too long, she brought her energy and enthusiasm to many volunteer roles across the site, from Cave Guide to Café Assistant to Gardener and even an Elf at Christmas. Pat helped bring joy to thousands of children, dreaming up activities all year round.
“We are so lucky and forever grateful to have had Pat on our team, giving her time generously and her support even more so. She was warm, witty and more than a little mischievous, with an inimitable way of keeping everyone in check.
“Pat will be deeply missed by all of us who had the pleasure of working with her and by the many visitors whose days she brightened.”
What a positive life .RIP.