Family, friends and business neighbours are mourning the loss of the big Norwich City fan, who has died of pancreatic cancer at 72
'She was a unique character and loved chatting with the customers, often involving heated discussions about Norwich City. There would be a Norwich flag outside the shop every time they played at home.'
Carl Forder's talking about mother Christine Drury, who has lost her battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 72.
Christine opened the Pottergate Pantry sandwich shop in 1984, with her son and business partner. She's much missed by family and friends, and neighbours from the Norwich Lanes area.
Carl says: 'She was a very passionate Norwich City supporter and held a season ticket for many years. She had a little wager each week for her favourite score of 1-0 and since she has passed away that has been the score!
'The shop was her pride and joy and even in her later stages of illness she still wanted to know when she would be able to go back. She was fondly known as Delia by the customers – after Delia Smith.'
Terry Hughes and Linda Smith, from The Belgian Monk bar and restaurant next-door, say they've 'lost a neighbour, fellow business owner and good friend. The fine City of Norwich (has) lost one of its pioneering stars in the takeaway sandwich industry'.
Christine grew up in the Drayton Road area of Norwich and with Carl opened the shop. 'She focused all her efforts on offering their customers traditional sandwiches rather than the fancy fillings found elsewhere,' say Terry and Linda.
'This principle continues some 34 years later, upholding the traditions she held so dear. Together they worked the business and, alongside the shop, also developed a successful catering operation, servicing many of the city's biggest offices and supplying outside functions.
'Christine was proud of her high standards, rewarded with the highest star rating for food hygiene.' (Which she maintained.)
'Christine was always happy to have a laugh and a joke with her customers over the years but also was happy to make her point of view known! Even in her last few weeks of life Christine was still cheerfully serving customers at the counter, despite her illness and not wanting any fuss.
'She travelled from her home in Southrepps, most days very early in the morning, to get to the shop in even the most difficult times – often privately in pain but putting on a brave face with a smile.
'Christine was a devoted wife and soulmate to her husband Michael. Pottergate Pantry will continue in the Norwich Lanes with a bright future after Christine's 34 years of hard work and dedication.
'Carl will continue to run the business, along with their long-serving members of staff, and we're sure Christine will be looking down and smiling. The rest of us in the Lanes will miss her dearly and remember her fondly.'
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