THE Arkell family has paid tribute to Anne Arkell, the mother of chairman James and the wife of former chairman Peter, after she died earlier this month.

Anne died at the age of 89 at her home in Whelford near Fairford on Sunday, August 10, just two days before what would have been hers and Peter’s 65th wedding anniversary.

Peter died in August 2010, having seen one of the most successful periods in the history of Arkell’s Brewery.

Originally from Norwich, Anne met Peter through her brother Michael, who was also a brewer.

The siblings were studying malting and brewing at Heriot-Watt College in Edinburgh.

Michael invited Peter to a party, where he met Anne, and they became a couple soon after, before marrying in 1949.

Anne will be remembered by her family as a fine and talented artist. She attended the Slade School of Art in Bloomsbury, London.

Following her marriage to Peter she painted the family brewery in Swindon many times during her life, among other things.

Her paintings have featured on the brewery’s Christmas cards for just about every year for the last 30 years.

She has also illustrated beer mats, trays and pub signs for the brewery over the years, which are much treasured by her family.

While her husband Peter led the brewery as chairman from 1971, she supported him from the background, which was crucial as the business expanded and diversified with the launch of the Vintners.

The family said every member of the brewery knew and respected Anne.

She was involved in the brewery, spoke to everyone, knew their families and took a personal interest in their lives revolving around the brewery.

Away from her activities in the family business, Anne was involved in the local community and church life.

She was a much loved and respected member of the Fairford Mothers’ Union.

She organised and was involved in many charity functions, hosting many of them at her family home in Whelford.

Anne is survived by her son James, three daughters, Alison, Jane and Rosalind (who lives in Canada), grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She also leaves behind her twin sister, Sybil, who lives in Hampshire.

A private family funeral for the matriarch was held yesterday.

The brewery will be holding a thanksgiving service on September 2 at 2.30pm in St Mary’s Church, Kempsford.