24th September

 As most of you now know, the event has been shifted onto Zoom, but just a handful of us will still host it on the large screens at Brighton Quaker Meeting House.

It is still October 3rd at 2pm, but we will have the connections open hopefully from 12, and we will be sending the link and more information out about it all in the next week.  Do forward to anyone I may have missed or email me on josiedarling@hotmail.com if you have not received your link by Wednesday 30th.  

I have a marvellous small team around me who are helping with all the technicalities, and I am trying daily to keep on top of the admin.  Vicky knew a lot of people, and she would be laughing about all this hoo-ha.  Shame about the lack of refreshments, but someone suggested we will all make our own cream tea at home, and give the money to the food bank and the Quakers.

I will try and get Vicky's china and books shared out somehow if people would like something to remember her by.

Luckily I am reading a very good book about improvisation, (which both Vick and I liked to do).

The mantra from it is;  NOTICE MORE, USE EVERYTHING, LET GO.

I will have to somehow use the inevitable hiccups on the day to our advantage and let go of all expectations.  

Looking forward to seeing those of you who can come.

Josie

3rd September

 Many thanks to all of you who have already responded to my message on the blog about Vicky's memorial on 3rd October.

It looks like we are going ahead unless we suddenly have to cancel it at the last minute!

I have made a note of all of you who have said you will definitely come.   

We have decided to hold a celebration of Vicky's life at Brighton Quaker Meeting House, Ship Street, Brighton on 3rd October. 2 pm.

This day would have been her 90th birthday.

This will involve a Quaker meeting, some refreshments, a few "turns", and a chance to chat. 

Parking will be limited but the MH is a short walk or taxi ride from the train station.

Please let me know if you would like to do a short poem or story, and guests are also welcome to speak in the Quaker silence if they feel moved to do so. Alternatively, you could send a message that someone else could read.

A decision has not yet been made as to whether a meeting can be held in Winchester to remember Vicky and due to COVID there is no firm date planned - so our focus has been on a celebration event in Brighton.  

The Meeting room is fitted with cameras which will mean that if you decide to attend on Zoom you will be able to feel present and will be a full participant in the Meeting, for people who are shielding or who do not wish to travel.

Also due to COVID restrictions, we need to keep to numbers, so please do not bring extra friends or children.  The limit I believe is 60, and we will be seated one metre apart and wearing masks inside.  

Please could you confirm if you will definitely be coming, or attending on Zoom.  Then I can send a Zoom invitation.

I know Vicky would love the "more the merrier" and it is tragic that only 60 of us can meet.  Vick knows so many lovely people, but once 60 people have confirmed, I am so sad to say we can't have any more in the flesh.  However Zoom knows no limits, so do pass on this post to anyone I may have missed.  I don't have everyone's email or phone numbers but perhaps they can email me if they wish to attend at josiedarling@hotmail.com.