Diana (Di) Margaret Allan
Born 26 January 1961; Died 15 August 2008

Diana Allan (Di) was born on 26 January 1961, the second of four children of Allan and Rachel Dewar. Her childhood years were happy and sowed the seeds of a life of service, loyalty and duty.

A true countrywoman, Di ensured that all those around her regardless of age would see a better, brighter world around them after being with her for however short a time.

Sent off to school at St Leonards in St Andrews followed by St Georges in Edinburgh, these august educational institutions allowed Di to develop her skills of friendship, fairness and fun. She possessed from an early age a way with words that could leave her seniors bereft of a response to deep and seemingly innocuous comment.

After school, Di embarked on a period of study at Queen Margaret College culminating in an HND in Hotel Catering and Institutional Management, followed by a B.Comm Degree in Business Studies at Edinburgh University, graduating in 1982. Di then undertook a post graduate study at Napier College to qualify as a Graduate Secretary. A sound grounding for business, her early qualification at “QM” laid a basis for much of Di’s domestic bliss- she took great delight in telling all that “her man” did the cooking she did the rest. She had truly learned how to manage!

However for Di, work was not the whole reason for being. Throughout this time she maintained her family ties with the countryside whilst pursuing a career which saw her develop from an assistant in personnel to a senior position. Di left her job in Livingston when she married and relocated to the Scottish Borders.

Here she not only created a home but also secured employment with a local company where for four years she was a much valued employee, leaving to start a family.

To Di family was always foremost and although she returned to part time work locally , she never lost sight of what she valued and those she loved. Part time and job share followed, as did a second daughter but throughout those years, Di devoted her energies not only to her family and home but to her interests. A very capable horsewoman, Di encouraged those around her and was often deprecating of her own abilities. She was not a single sport person also thoroughly enjoying and having a genuine talent for tennis and badminton.

Di was never content to stand on the sidelines and take, but felt deeply the need to give and generously gave of her time to act as Secretary to the Berwickshire Bloodhounds when they were active in the area and still supported the Berwickshire Hunt. Swinton PTA benefited from her talents of organisation and encouragement and the Village Hall too was the richer for Allan family links

A devoted mother to her daughters, Di fostered in them a love of not just horseriding but sportsmanship. A keen Saturday morning hockey mum not only to her girls but the whole team. Any animal, dog or horse that was lucky enough to find itself care-of Hope House was assured of a caring, knowledgeable home. No stone was left unturned by Di in her efforts to quietly assist . She took no side nor was impressed by none.
Even when Di was diagnosed with her illness for the second time, she kept up her voluntary work, notably as Treasurer with the Berwickshire Hunt Pony Club, where her skills of business administration quietly marshalled others less gifted. She never gave in or let any know the cost of that in terms of her energy.
 
 Her honesty and integrity were reflected in the deep respect and affection that all ages of her community held for her who were proud to attend her Service of Thanksgiving, filling the church of Edrom, adorned with the flowers of the countryside she loved.

. Di died with memories of her inspiring those she has left behind. Many will look out across the Berwickshire fields and think they have glimpsed the yellow coat she wore with such aplomb when walking her beloved dogs or perhaps the yellow lorry with her driving and waving to all she saw, perhaps recalling her quiet teasing that lead to so much laughter when she was around.
 
Di left behind her husband Alex, her daughters Kirsty and Jennifer, her parents, sisters and brother.