*this is an adapted version of what was read at Sarah’s Memorial in Blackheath Halls.    Sarah was my little sister – although really only little in terms of stature in every other way she was big – big personality, big heart, big laugh … and big voice.  No-one who ever met her, from her closest friends and family, to a total stranger she stood next to in a queue, could have failed to notice how much Sarah loved to talk.   When we were kids, Dad would sometimes take us running in the early morning around the streets of Hong Kong. I can’t remember what prompted this madness, but I do remember that Sarah would chat the entire time. From closing the front door to opening it again, she would talk continuously – almost without breathing. And this is a talent she never lost. A few years ago I read an article about the benefits of cold water swimming, so she and I got into the habit of taking a dip in the lido a couple of times a week. I would let her know when I was on my way and as I’d pull up, she’d be …

*The below is an adapted version of what was read at Sarah’s Memorial Service in Blackheath.  Sarah had a gift for making people feel at ease, and of course to make us all laugh, so while we may remember her with a few tears, I really hope that we can remember her with smiles and laughter as well.  Reading through the entries in this book, a clear pattern of themes emerged, and here are some of the words which came out.  Sarah was, in no particular order: Loud, Funny, Energetic, Mischievous, Loyal, Caring, Talkative, Committed and Inspirational.  One that I would add to that list is; playful. As her youngest sibling Sarah always made time to play when I was small. She would create games, make up stories, write poems and draw funny cartoons to keep me amused, she also taught me how to swim – something she was very proud of! That playfulness stayed with her throughout her life and it’s been so great to see again since she became an Auntie to Gwen, Aaron, Alex, Kit and Mayu.  She was a Godmother to Arthur & Indy, Raphey, Arabella & Teddy, and Bjorn, who shares her birthday. The …

Celebration of a Childhood Dream, by Iain Curr Twenty four years since their last show Never a question that we had to go My childhood has returned to me We’ve paid our dues and we’ve paid our fees.   Underground summer air and hair still long We are off to listen to our favourite songs A different time, without a friend of foe Thinking back to the times before.   Walking down an open road 60,000 with just one place to go A straightforward future and a pathway that’s clear Yet to know I’d lose all that I held dear.   We take our seats and we stand and stare A lifetime of waiting it seems almost unfair There was a time when we disliked all that we could see. And did not know who we could be.   The crowd roars as we sip our overpriced beer Our teenage dreams have taken us here A broken heart and a jobless time Slow to learn life could be so unkind.   The words pour out of us as we start to sing Each word follows the next like tonic and gin The years did pass and a change it …

Dear Sue, Ralph, Iain, Rachael and Helen,  It is indescribable how much we are missing Sarah. When I think about her I always feel something very warm inside my heart.  Sarah was such an amazing woman with a great heart. Her smiles and laughs first come to my mind. I will cherish fond memories with her and carry her in the special place of my heart forever.  We will find her in every beautiful moment; cherry blossom in spring, bright sunshine in summer, gentle breeze in autumn, clear sky in winter, and so on.  Lots and lots of love to Sarah and I will miss her so much.  Love, Chika.  …

My friend  Sarah and I met at work and became good friends. Some of the things we loved about her and will never forget: Fun times Sarah was creative and her perspective was part of her charm and uniqueness , we had fun taking photos, she loved bridges and always looked up. I will be thankful to the Sri Lankan Bakery in my village and to Mr Waitrose which meant that she was catered for when visiting or picnicking. Sarah loved to travel and we enjoyed our holidays with her, we had many more planned. I will try to do these trips in your memory.   Sarah was competitive and our fond memories include playing pass the pig where her vegan principles were momentarily shelved by her competitiveness to get a “snouter”. The funniest memory was eating tapas and drinking beer in the sunshine, playing “ I went to shop and I bought…….” resulting in the funniest random answers as her friends and family can probably appreciate. Time spent with Sarah was always an adventure whether it was in the park identifying which animals we could see in the clouds, looking at flowers, going on lavender picnics, sourcing vegan …