Tribute to Winifred Margaret Webster

It was with regret that I learned of the recent passing of Margaret Webster.

I first met her when I moved to Bolton in the 1980s and started getting involved with the very active Bolton and District Branch. She was by then one of the senior figures in the branch having served as chairman in 1977–1978, and was an independent contractor on the Bolton Local Pharmaceutical Committee and one of the pharmacists on the Bolton Family Practitioner Committee.

Margaret started her apprenticeship in 1945 at Bolton Royal Infirmary (BRI). Having qualified in October 1950, she returned to BRI, rising to the position of deputy chief pharmacist.

In 1955, she set up her first pharmacy in Winton, Bournemouth, with her husband Jack. Three years later, they returned to Bolton and had a pharmacy on Chorley Old Road before moving to Harwood. Circumstances caused a couple of minor relocations but she continued as the sweet natured professional that she was, serving her local population until her retirement in 1992.

Margaret was a stalwart of the Bolton and District Branch of the Society and was the first recipient nationally of the president’s letter of gratitude for long service to branches in October 2000.

When the branch decided to support local efforts to build Bolton Hospice, Margaret was keen to be involved with organising sponsored walks, raffles, auctions, etc.

In the days before emails, when branch secretaries used to send out mailings, Margaret and Jack were always the first to volunteer to help stuff envelopes and add address labels and stamps.

She was always proud to be a member of the Society and maintained her membership for the rest of her life. She was an inspiration to many; we will miss her wisdom and kindness.

On behalf of the Greater Manchester Local Practice Forum and the old Bolton and District Branch, I offer our sincere condolences to her family on their loss.