Belinda Hanchett

I met Belinda at the Norfolk and Norwich Festival when I was working as a photographer. She was going to one of the tea dances in the Spiegeltent and was dressed in her gorgeous vintage style and she literally glowed with happiness. I was completely taken with her bubbly personality and her individual style and I wanted to photograph her. We met just once more at Sheringham for the 40s day. Again, she dressed stylishly, was so full of life, and I had a lot of fun photographing her on the train and when she was dancing with friends. She was what my friend would call a 'dear heart'. When she telephoned me about her condition she wanted to make sure that I wouldn't feel like she had just not bothered to call me. That is the size of that lady's heart. I will always remember Belinda and I honestly don't think I'll ever meet anyone quite like her ever again. Much love to all the family xx

Please add to the following memorial page set up for a Belinda’s dad. He would love to see all your messages. https://belindaannhanchett.muchloved.com/

I have known Belinda all my/her life, remember her as a baby coming to our house with her Mum and playing together there's 4 yrs difference between us. Later years Meeting in Wetherspoons for a meal and catch up. Belinda was a beautiful perfect soul, so glad we spoke about 3 weeks before you passed away, I never got to see you again as promised but your pain was too much to bear. Sleep peacefully my sweet childhood friend. I will miss you dearly

So sad to hear of Belinda's passing. I worked with her at Anglia Tool Centre in Bury St Edmunds. I always found her to be a cheerful and bubbly person, her happy go lucky demeanor was infectious !! And every time we met, either at work or out and about, Julie and I were always greeted with a beaming smile and an eager enquiry as to how we were doing ! We were shocked to hear of her illness and trust that she received the kindest of care at the end xx

I met Belinda when I started to volunteer in the shop at Ickworth. I had just moved to the area from London and knew nobody. She really took me under her loving wing. Not only did she tell me about al the interesting places I should visit she suggested we did some day trips together. So began our days out. All were very meticulously planned by Belinda to showcase the area she loved. She inspired me with her independent spirit. I thought I need some of that! She would just get up and decide to go places on public transport. I adored her love of vintage and interest in so many things. Last years project with her dad of clearing the garden and creating as she said her own fairy garden. She was the most caring person and constantly thinking of others. One of the last things we did together was to go to a felt workshop in Ipswich. We had to create a picture in felt of a mountain scene. My picture is now on my bedroom wall and a constant reminder of Belinda and all those happy times we shared together.

I first met Belinda when she asked to volunteer in the retail shop at Ickwortjh house. Her interpersonal skills, kindness and complete understanding of people meant I had no hesitation in making her a permanent member of staff at the earliest opportunity. She became the Face of Ickworth House Customer Service - Belinda loved to care for people and ensure they left with a smile. She also had a love of all animals particularly her cats who had their own chairs and cushions so they could all sit and watch TV as a family. Belinda didn’t drive or even own a computer but she had an extensive knowledge of East Anglia which she shared with friends, Cliff and I visited many places in North Norfolk on her recommendation - in particular a pub near Wells next the Sea famous for its homemade pies( The Three Horseshoe’s ) - we have been regular visitors ever since and have stayed there on many occasions. When I retired in February 2020 I had made plans with Belinda for days out - for afternoon Tea and a short break to Norfolk unfortunately the pandemic, the loss of her Mother and her illness meant these were all put on hold. It is one of my greatest regrets that these plans will now not come to pass. I cannot express how privileged I was to have been Belinda’s boss and she soon became a true friend, to share her laughter, tears and fantastic team spirit - I will miss her dearly.

Belinda was a very dear friend. We met many years ago when I was still in sixth form, at a local alternative music night. I seem to remember her favoured tipple was snakebite and black. We became firm friends through our shared love of the band Suede. We even spent the whole day watching them play the same song when we were invited to be in one of their music videos. I remember her coming to stay with me when I was at university in London and she had to walk miles because she was frightened of going on the escalators. Nonetheless, she was very good humoured about it. She was incredibly thoughtful and would regularly write to me while I was away studying. Despite my frequent propensity for making mistakes she was always supportive and lent a shoulder and ear. One of the loveliest, gentle and kind people I have been lucky to know. I'm glad I had the opportunity to connect with her before she passed away. She was the best of friends and her loss is utterly sad. ♥️

I'm so sorry to hear of Belinda passing. We worked together for 6 years in the shop at Ickworth and it was always a pleasure coming in to the shop and catching up on Belinda's adventures and travels, she gave me wonderful ideas of places to go with our grandchildren. I remember once I bumped into Belinda on a Saturday afternoon and I had some tickets for that evening for the winter lights at Anglesey Abbey which I couldn't go to. Belinda was thrilled to be able to go, she looked up the bus times and off she went, in her beautiful red coat and that was what she was like - spontaneous, fun and adventurous. Belinda often spoke about that excursion and how much she loved it and I was so happy she could go. Belinda showed her kindness and positivity to the very end and bore her illness with grace and bravery, she led a simple life with a carefree approach and these are qualities to be much admired. We need a lot more people like Belinda in the world, she gave so much freely to others without expecting or asking for anything in return. We were in touch regularly and I respected and loved Belinda for her bravery in telling me about her illness. Belinda asked me to keep going to different places in her memory and a Si Cranston concert, who she loved, so I will do these things in Belinda's memory. Rest in peace Belinda, it was a privilege to know you xxxx