Salute to "Mothers-In-Law" ...... Hilda Chart
Forty-five years ago the thought and idea that I would put pen to paper saluting "mothers-in-law" would have been met with incredulity beyond measure. And in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada too!!!
Well, now in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, the opportunity is here and the notion is most timely and important. Mothers-In-Law have historically been the butt of comedians' sick and often off colour jokes and not always represented positively in literature and theatre.
This is a little insight into what and who mothers-in-law can really be. This is a tribute to my mother-in-law, an exceptional lady. Hilda Chart (nee Lewis), recently deceased, was born in 1909 in Oldland Common, near the City of Bristol, Gloucestershire County, England. She was the oldest, by 12 years, of two children born to very much working class parents, Isobel and Joseph Lewis.
Joe was a veteran of the Boer War having served with distinction in the Royal Marines - an elite fighting force. Joe was a hard working individual, not well educated but well read, resourceful and highly talented. He was a builder and carpenter of great skill, as well as trying his hand at being a merchant seaman, mailman and pet-shop owner. When the First World War broke out in 1914 Hilda witnessed her father being hauled off to prison as a conscientious objector to the war. Having witnessed the Boer War he no doubt had no desire to be embroiled in what was tantamount to another "Imperialist War". This was a bleak period for the family as conscientious objectors were branded as cowards and their families were ostracized and received no community support.
Hilda went on to excel at school with the support of her parents, especially her mother, and won a scholarship to attend renowned Cambridge University - a rare opportunity for a woman of the era. Alas, family finances prevented her from taking advantage of this great opportunity, so she ended up attending Bristol University which enabled her to remain at home. Her subject was French and she went on to study French language, literature and art at the Sorbonne in Paris, France. This was a great adventure for a young woman in the 1920's. While studying in France she made some close and enduring friendships with other young women with whom she shared lodging at a boarding house. She also took advantage of the opportunity to discover more of the culture and customs of France by working as an "Au Pair" in Southern France.
Upon qualifying as teacher she took up various teaching positions in secondary schools in the English Midlands (central England). Her students doubtlessly learning from her treasure trove of experience and talent. It was during this period that she was exposed to the Unitarian Church. This non-denominational church organization is noted for its avoidance of religious dogma but recognized for its humanitarian and educational work and commitment. It is the founder of (Harris) Manchester College, Oxford University’s newest college, founded at Oxford in 1889 and received its royal charter from Queen Elizabeth II in 1996!!!
Hilda married Norman Chart, a professional horticulturalist, in 1945. Hilda continued to attend the Unitarian Church while husband Norman attended the Anglican church where he was a "sidesman" and bell-ringer. Hilda’s teaching career was over... She worked along with Norman helping him with his nursery business. She produced two beautiful daughters and I was lucky enough to marry one eventually in 1966.
The family moved to the small village of Holt, Wiltshire in England’s West Country, where besides taking care of her family and helping with the nursery business she undertook the care of five elderly relatives during the 1960's and 70's. In spite of the demands of her new "career" Hilda managed to find time to participate in village life. She became a leading member of the village dramatic society, helping create costumes and many imaginative props. Her pen and ink drawings of local village scenes and wildlife adorned the cover page of the village magazine for many years.
Art and nature was always her passion. She created many oil and water colour paintings, mostly of birds, and had an amazing talent of relating to wild creatures, especially birds. I remember her befriending a little English robin who would enter the house at meal times and sample the deserts that may be available! Hilda also had a love of books and literature, and it was in her library that I first encountered the Islamic Koran.
In 1981, after the elderly relatives had all passed on, Norman retired and he and Hilda moved to the village of Standlake, near the City of Oxford. Norman’s interest in horticulture now took the form of a hobby and Hilda continued to read, study, paint, draw, sketch and observe the birds and animals that visited them. Living near Oxford enabled Hilda and a converted Norman to attend the (Harris) Manchester College Unitarian Chapel - a modestly splendid edifice. They became active members of the Chapel Society. Hilda’s enduring contribution to the Village of Standlake is an illustrated map of the village that is now on permanent display in the village hall.
Hilda, would have been 99 years old (young!), but on Friday March 7, 2008, her very rich life ended. She was a great inspiration as person, motherm mother-in-law and I salute her on Mother's Day every year.
Lionel Rudd, the author, has been married to Hilda’s oldest daughter, Joy, for the past 45 years. Hilda leaves her two daughters, Joy and Christine (who lives in Standlake, Oxfordshire with husband, Nick). Hilda also leaves her husband of 63 years, Norman, and younger brother, Arthur of Bristol. Also four grandchildren: Sheelagh and Martin in Canada, Yvonne in England and Katherine in Australia. PLUS four great-grandchildren.
