In Memory - Hilary Gibbs and Alva Caldwell

We have been deeply saddened by the recent death of 2 wonderful people who were hugely influential to Glasgow Children’s Holiday Scheme:

Hilary Gibbs - a Trustee, former Chair and all round fabulous supporter of our charity. Hilary was to some extent the soul of the Holiday Scheme and she is greatly missed. Hilary became involved with the Holiday Scheme through her close friend, Carol Orr. Hilary was a trustee for many years including terms as vice chair and chair. Hilary was hands on and saw the huge benefit to children and families from their time away. In August 2011, Hilary and Carol visited Dunsyre Children’s Holiday Camp which was winding up. They enjoyed a nice lunch and as Hilary said:’ we had a lovely lunch and the trustees presented us with an envelope. We had absolutely no idea what the amount of the fund would be and our manners stopped us from opening the envelope there and then. When we left, we drove a short distance until we found. place to park. Carol ripped open the envelope and we gasped when we saw the cheque for was for over £75,000!’ The money enabled the Holiday Scheme to buy a fully adapted caravan at Wemyss Bay. In memory of Hilary, the Holiday Scheme will name its’ days out fund after her.

Hilary’s death was a huge shock to everyone, and we are so grateful for her fabulous commitment and contribution.  We intend to celebrate Hilary’s contribution by naming our family support fund in her memory as well as mark Hilary’s legacy at our caravans.  We recognise the huge loss to Hilary’s family. Hilary was introduced to the Holiday scheme by her best Friend Carol Orr, who she had worked with for  many years, and she immediately saw the value for the scheme that helped so many people and families. Her passion for understanding people and relationships ran through Hilary’s whole life, and her commitment to the Holiday scheme is a reflection of that dedication. When Hilary was with you, whether you were family, friend , colleague or someone she supported at work or through volunteering, you knew she was fully present and interested in what you were saying and doing. She had such a positive impact on so many people throughout her life, but would never think that she did anything out of the ordinary. Her husband, Steve, and her children Becci and Daniel, chose this quote from A.A Milne that they feel speaks to Hilary’s impact on all around her . “ If there is ever a tomorrow where we are not together, there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think. But the most important part is, even if we are apart I will always be with you.”  

They can be assured her lasting memory will be recognised by Glasgow Children’s Holiday Scheme. 

Alva Caldwell was a former Trustee, fundraiser and great supporter of the Holiday Scheme. Alva continued to think of the Holiday Scheme and the impact a holiday can have on children and families right to the very end. She enabled the charity’s links with St Ninian’s Episcopal Church in Pollokshields. Alva had a particular and love of music, in particular, Joan Sutherland and Luciano Pavarotti. Alva got to meet a young Pavarotti backstage in London and many years later she met him again. She was visiting a friend in Italy to be told that a car had been arranged to pick her up from the airport but did not disclose that it would be driven by Pavarotti’s chauffeur whom her friend happened to know. Indeed, Pavarotti was returning home on the same flight so Alva duly travelled with him in the car. That was not all. Pavarotti invited Alva to his him home where she enjoyed afternoon tea with Pavarotti and his wife whereupon Pavarotti sang to his own accompaniment on the grand piano. How many people can say they have been personally serenaded by Pavarotti. Thank you Alva for everything.