Margaret Irvine Funeral *update*

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Nutmeg’s funeral *update 2023-07-11*

Ref: https://www.fifteensquared.net/2023/06/28/rip-nutmeg/

I believe that the funeral service will be broadcast by Zoom and I will post Zoom links as soon as I can.

In the meantime, Margaret’s life-long friend, Jean has sent details of a fundraiser in Margaret’s memory. Here is the link: https://nutmeg.muchloved.com/

There is expected to be a tribute crossword in this week’s New Statesman along with an obituary. Margaret was an NS crossword compiler

Margaret’s funeral is to take place on Thursday 20th July.

At Manchester Crematorium, M21 7GZ at 12.30.

Then at St Clement’s Church, Chorlton, M21 4AE from 1pm where there will be refreshments.

Please be aware that there are projected train strikes on that day.

21 comments on “Margaret Irvine Funeral *update*”

  1. For years Margaret has delighted and teased us with her cryptic crosswords. Everyone was a gem of perfection.
    Nutmeg, you will be remembered with admiration and affection.
    Condolences to her family and friends in their great loss.

  2. I did not even know Nutmeg’s gender until I saw this announcement.
    My wife and I always felt a little extra excitement when we saw ‘Nutmeg’ above the Guardian grid of the day.
    Rest in Puzzle heaven Margaret Irvine.
    Thank you for many happy, biro-gnawing hours.
    Condolences to your family and friends.

  3. Just saw the obituary on the Guardian site – what sad news! Nutmeg was one of my absolute favourite setters, loved her clues for their elegance and charm. RIP.

  4. Chorlton is within easy striking distance from where I live, but unfortunately I’m only returning home that day. So I won’t be able to get to St Clements, as I would have liked to pay my last respects to a great setter.

  5. Bless. A fantastic compiler, whose Guardian puzzles were an example of how fairness translates to entertainment. She set beautifully in other newspapers I believe, as the obit points out, and that doesn’t surprise me.

  8. Just heard that Nutmeg has passed away, too soon. I loved her puzzles, so clever yet never obscure, always achievable with a little determination . Thank you Nutmeg for your intellect and wit.

  9. I’m really sorry to hear that. I’m so new to this malarkey. I started when I was holed up with covid and had lots of time, but couldn’t concentrate to read. Nutmeg’s crosswords were the ones where I felt I could actually get going, and I trawled her ‘past papers’ on The Guardian website. My condolences.

  11. A great loss to this, our private and somewhat eccentric world. I always felt a frisson of excitement when i saw her nom de plume above a crossword. Rest in peace, Margaret.

  12. Thanks, kenmac, for keeping us updated. I’d like to access the Zoom link that night Australian time if possible given the time differences. It would be a privilege to honour Nutmeg/Margaret and to be in solidarity with those who loved and admired her.

  15. Goujeers @ 14

    There is a tradition on this site of not commenting on puzzles before their solution is published

  16. @14, @15

    I think we can let this go since Goujeers isn’t discussing the puzzle directly but just alerting the community to its presence.

    Nevertheless, thanks David for bringing it to my attention.

  20. Warm thoughts today for Margaret Irvine and those who loved her . I consider myself fortunate to have ‘known her’ from afar. The ”It’s Nutmeg!” chorus cheered our home whenever she appeared.

  21. I only realised when Nutmeg’s funeral arrangements were announced here that she was so local to me here – in Chorlton South Manchester – so it was an easy decision to make to attend.

    It was lovely to meet some of her oldest friends, her work colleagues, a selection of Guardian setters, a couple of fellow fifteen squared devotees. Her life was celebrated well and it was a lovely day for it.

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