A notable memorial

We were talking to a member of the administrative staff at Coxhill Manor Care Home when we visited a resident there this afternoon. She is researching the history of the building and was particularly interested in its connection to the Gabriel family. Peter Gabriel, one of the founding members of the progressive rock group, Genesis, was born in Chobham. The family home then was Deep Pool Cottage, not Coxhill Manor, but close by. The Gabriel family goes back generations as farmers and landowners in Chobham. Peter’s parents are interred in Chobham cemetery where this striking memorial can be found. His father, Ralph, predeceased his mother Irene. Ralph lived to 100 and the inscription refers to him having been a visionary engineer. Irene lived to 95 and the inscription refers to her love of music. She was a great supporter of the Yehudi Menuhin School in Stoke D'Abernon and often went to concerts there with our former neighbour. I believe the stone grave marker is a lump of Welsh slate.