I drove through BoA last night and was given a sharp reminder that there will be no more visits to Sue and seeing her face light up with pleasure when I came through the door.  My abiding memory will be her smile and laughter and of course the spontaneous recitation of tracts of literature. Random words in conversation would instantly elicit extracts from Dickens, Jane Austen or her beloved Coleridge.  She never failed to amaze me. I first met Sue in the Dandy in BoA where a bunch of us would meet on Saturday mornings for sparkling wit and chat - it was a lot of fun. Sue then departed for The Lakes and Ulverston to be with dear Michael, the gentle giant. What inspiring drives we had in that stunning scenery.  Sue exhibited her paintings in an exhibition at Brantwood, home of John Ruskin, where she also received the visitors and happily regaled them with Ruskin stories. 

Sadly, despite two exhilarating years in Ulverston, things didn't work out and she returned to BoA where she picked up on her friendships and worked hard at writing, reviewing theatre events and even giving lectures on Jane Austen. She put most of us to shame with her industry.  Lovely memories are of her Beach Party, (if you can't get to Swanage, bring it to BoA), whizzing her up and down the corridors of Chippenham hospital in her wheelchair - and the nursing staff turning a blind eye, meeting the three delightful Kenyan carers and the fish and chip steam train trip to Minehead with Michael, always fun and laughter when Sue was around.

I feel bereft that she has gone, but she is at peace now and her huge personality will never be forgotten.

With love from
Sally