It is so hard for me to put into words all the images, words and memories that flooded to the surface on hearing Veronica had left this world. It has taken me many days to write this.
I met Veronica in 1989 at Breakthrough, the holistic business centre in Shepherd’s Bush, London. We both worked part-time there and became friends.
Veronica introduced me to Playback Theatre, which I loved! Many years later I became a member of Findhorn Playback Theatre in Scotland. I really enjoyed watching and being on the receiving end of Veronica in her element as tutor and imparter of playback skills, deep knowledge and wisdom.
Some of the many elements of Veronica which I loved were her
vibrancy
wonderful way with words
passion
clapping her hands
brightness of her eyes
deep intelligence
spirituality
friendship
wisdom
Many years ago I was at West London Crematorium with Veronica for her mother’s funeral and then at the playback of stories about her mother. I offer this story for the playback of Veronica’s life.
In the early to mid 90s, Veronica and I went to see our friend Anne Lister singing upstairs in a pub in north London. We both really enjoyed her performance. I remember the 3 of us sitting downstairs in the pub afterwards. It was Chinese New Year and I asked Veronica to teach me how to say “gung hay fat choy” in Cantonese. Veronica was so happy to be asked. I spent ages practicing . . . with Veronica helping me to get the inflection and intonation. There was much laughter as many times Veronica said that means …. (something different!!!). When I had said the phrase correctly 3 times, her eyes sparkled and she clapped her hands in pleasure. The next day I went to my favourite Chinese take-away just to wish them great happiness and prosperity. They were very surprised and told me I had said it perfectly! I told them my Hong Kong friend had taught me the previous evening. I was very happy because they had such big smiles as I left!
with love, deep appreciation and a bow to Veronica
Carrie Bates, Inverness
