My lovely Wife Margaret Mann who passed on 15th April 2026 was the centre of our family and the heart of our home. She had a strength of character that was impossible to ignore, yet she was also one of the kindest and most loving people I have ever known.

Her compassion extended to everyone she met, whether they walked on two legs or four. She had an extraordinary ability to care for those who needed help, and she never turned away from suffering. Animals held a special place in her heart, and she dedicated much of her life to protecting and improving their welfare. Many animals were given a second chance because Margaret simply refused to give up on them. She had been involved in animal welfare and was an active campaigner in stopping transportation of animals in live export, she was involved in many things including Beagle rescue and local dog rescues in Somerset and Dorset. Hillside was 1 of 13 charities she supported, and she was nominated a friend of Hillside.

Margaret's beliefs shaped our family. Her deep concern for animals and her determination to stand against cruelty influenced us all. It was through her conviction and example that our family embraced a vegan and vegetarian lifestyle. She could never accept the abuse or exploitation of animals and lived her life according to those principles every day.

As a wife, mother, nanny and great-nanny, Margaret was always there for her family. She offered guidance, support and love, and she made sure everyone felt welcome and cared for. She was the person we turned to for advice, comfort and encouragement. She was truly the hub of our family, holding us together through every stage of life.

Life with Margaret was never dull. She was determined, passionate, generous and fiercely loyal to the things she believed in. I was proud to walk beside her for sixty-five years, and I will always be grateful for the love, laughter and memories we shared.

Margaret leaves behind a legacy of kindness, compassion and courage. She showed us that one person can make a difference simply by caring enough to act. Her influence will continue to live on in our family, in the values she taught us, and in the many lives—human and animal—that she touched.
I miss her every day, but I will carry her in my heart always.

Alan Mann

You made us pack away our toys
And tidy up our beds.
You made us eat our breakfast
And brush our woolly heads.

Shirts were tucked, sandals on,
Satchels last of all.
"I'm not really feeling up to it."
"No matter — get to school."

You taught us please and thank you,
That manners never cost.
That the hanky and a ball of spit
Was good for facial dust.

Oh Mum, we didn't know it,
Some rules we would rebel.
"Sit there till you eat your carrots,
And then your sprouts as well."

Rule ten was bad as six,
Friends playing under blue skies.
"Get to sleep." "Mum, we can't,
The sun's still shining in our eyes."

And Mum and Dad — her strength, her rock —
Together through good and bad.
Following dreams side by side,
We've all seen that look they had.

They raised us and then let us go,
"We are here if you ever need."
Then came a life of animal welfare,
Standing up for what they believed.

Mum's compassion and sense of justice,
Shared with many like-minded friends.
Sometimes only just legal!
And always defending those without a voice.

We had a saying growing up:
If you were bad, Mum would swap you for a beagle.

Mum, you prepared us for this journey,
We're living by your code.
But there is another lesson,
One you've never told.

It's not just what you say,
But more of what you do.
You proved it in the way you lived,
And we'll pledge to follow too.

Darin

If you would like to make a donation in Margaret's memory, you may do so here.  Hillside are very grateful for any donations received.

You are also welcome to ring the Sanctuary office on 01603 736200 to make a donation.

Thank you...