Chris passed peacefully on 8th July holding her husband’s and my hand. She would want me to thank every single one of you who touched her life through our shops, Bird Of Paradise.
Before Bird Of Paradise was established in the early 1990’s, Christine had a lingerie shop called Whiteheads of St. Anne’s and before that she started her career sewing lingerie in her garage and selling party plan. Our shops were run by “me and mi sister” family joke. Isabelle Gardner Wilkie was our most splendid manageress and now runs the Lingerie Lounge in Blackpool.
We had branches in Preston and Blackpool and our aim was to make every single woman no matter what age or size get the right fit at the right price with exceptional customer service and feel fabulous and have fun doing it. We ran wedding fairs, talks at schools, talks at hospitals, visits to nursing homes, party plan, charity catwalk shows and were proud to be one of the first to sell over the internet. Our mission was to push the industry to cater for everyone and we lived and breathed our business. She taught me everything I know.
Chris has known most of you a lifetime and the family ask you to raise a glass to her and the fun times you gave her. Her smile lit up the room and the world is now a less shiny place as she hangs up her tape measure for the last time.
All my love, till I see you in heaven, meet you at the bar.
Amanda Joynt (sister to Christine).
Note from the Editor: I have known both Christine and Amanda for more years than I can even remember! When they ran the shop Birds of Paradise we used to have great chats about the ups and downs of being a lingerie shop owner, always with good humour and we used to laugh until we ached about some of the stories the girls reported to me. Christine was always bubbly even when she was not feeling well, always had a smile on her face and was interested in you no matter what. People like Christine don’t come along very often and she will be sorely missed by family and friends. The first drinks will be on me Christine! Pamela Scott, Managing Editor
