I have the privilege of being able to call Valerie a good friend of more than 50 years; our children grew up together.
To me she was the very best of friends; open, honest, endlessly hospitable, a fantastic champion of what she believed in, a dog lover, a listening ear, passionate about education, as well as for the fun things in life such as riding, ballet and cricket. She always wrote with such eloquence and purpose and always with pen and ink. I shall miss knowing she is there, just there, someone I know would hear me out and wish me well and always wish me ‘Strength’.
Joe particularly recalls the best beef stew and dumplings, guinea pigs in the greenhouse, running around under sprinklers, an annoying film interval at the cinema in Wells right in the middle of the Ewok chase scene in ‘Return of the Jedi’, afternoon tea with lardy cake.
Iain remembers birthday parties at Rowan’s, Valerie had them running around naked apparently, the water fights and cricket. She came up trumps with Glastonbury tickets one year and she was always so friendly and welcoming. And, he asks, do you remember the newspaper cutting all over the kitchen cupboards? Is Che Guevara still there?
Tracey was so grateful to Valerie for putting up all the groomsmen the night before her and Iain’s wedding. Her brother still speaks fondly of Valerie and he only met her that one weekend and that was more than 25 years ago.
Elizabeth particularly remembers enjoying a much needed homely weekend with her at The Boundary House, when she was homesick during her first term at University; dog-walking, apple-picking, Aga-side chats. The sweet trolley at Christmas, the Star Wars tea party and the year of the infamous indoor fireworks.
We all remember time spent with Valerie and her family with much affection. Writing these words has brought a smile to my face and a chuckle to my lips. I will miss Valerie enormously, but I am so pleased to have had her in my and my family’s lives.
Catherine Fish
19/02/2026
