A sad day. The lovely Toni Ives has died recently, and very quickly - within 24 hours. Thankfully, she was able to say goodbye to all her family. Today her husband John held a Thanksgiving Service for his wife of more than 60 years. The Service was held in the 11th century church of St Nicholas in Studland. Tucked away at the back of the village, this lovely church hosted what was a touching and memorable service, taken sensitively by the Reverend Tony Higgins. As you'd expect, the church was packed. Tony gave a most excellent eulogy and we all learnt a little more about this kind, gentle and lovely lady. I first met Toni in 2006 when I became the Conservative candidate for South Dorset in 2006. Politics was one of her many interests and Toni was a stalwart member of our Association and always stepped up to the plate when she was needed. Her humour and energy were most infectious and I was staggered to hear that she had died so quickly when she appeared so full of life. After the Service we all moved to the village hall for the wake, where the mood was upbeat, as Toni would have wanted. John's loss is our loss too and I shall always remember this lovely, lovely lady with great affection.