Following the passing away of my elder sister Wendy in Johannesburg last summer, the family agreed to celebrate her life amongst relatives and friends in London. Wendy always expressed her love for Highgate and Hampstead and it was thought ideal that we mark her memory in the area.
Wishing to gather people once the weather was mild, we waited through the winter and sent an invitation to all we believed would like to attend advising of the chosen date. From midday today a group of almost thirty family members and friends met up at The Flask in Highgate Village, a pub frequented by Wendy during the mid-1960s when she lived nearby in Millfield Lane.
The mix of ages led to a wonderful exchange of stories and memories, many generated by the excellent display of photos created by Wendy’s nephew, Steve. It was especially heartwarming to catch up with our cousin Roger Ladbury and one of Wendy’s oldest friends, Mike Bull.
After lunch, the group walked down Highgate West Hill to Hampstead Heath, where we held a minute’s silence to remember her life and to scatter her ashes. Both myself and my brother Ken spoke, thanking everyone for attending, and related all the messages we have received from those who remember Wendy with great affection but were unable to be with us. Her niece Katherine had also thoughtfully brought petals for us to add colour to the moment.
A wonderful day and a most fitting tribute to our beloved sister.
Relatives in attendance were: Janet, Frank & Katherine; Ken and Debbie; Steve, Trish & Rebecca; Darren, Chantal & Leo; David; Keith, Julie, Lisa and Ben; Audrey, Chris & Gemma; Roger Ladbury. A very welcome group of Wendy’s friends from her days in London also joined us: Mike & Gill Bull; David & Anne Russell; Sue and Paul Bush.
