Amanda was a big part of my life in the late 80's and early 90's. We met at BHS in Woking and I was immediately captivated by her bubbly, vivacious personality and radiant smile - we dated and I have many treasured memories from that period in my life. Amanda was such a giving person, and was so supportive when my mum became ill. She and was there with me when my mum eventually passed - she was my rock during that period, and I will always be so very grateful for the love care and devotion she gave me, my dad and brother during that difficult time. Unfortunately our relationship did not last, no fault of Amanda's - break ups are hard, but I'm so glad that we remained friends and met up & chatted on the phone from time to time. Like a lot of us I'm finding it very hard to come to terms with the fact that she is no longer with us, I feel very blessed and fortunate however to have met Amanda all those years ago and will never forget our time together. I like to think that Amanda has now found some peace up in Heaven, keeping her loved ones up above in order and entertained, but also watching over those of us who were lucky to have her in our lives. Sharing on this post a few photos from holidays in the Lake District and Rome. God bless you Amanda, we will keep you close in our hearts even though you are no longer with us.. M x

Part of me finds it impossible to believe that this vibrant, hilarious spark of life is no more. However, I'm grateful to have so many happy memories: * Horse-riding together; me on good old reliable Boxer, her on the slightly more feisty Pru (Prudhoe Bay). As with everything, she was patient and kind in the face of my ineptitude, only laughing at my falls once she knew I wasn't too badly injured! * As with many of our generation, endlessly quoting the first series of Blackadder. I can hear her voice in my head - "What's not Greek, but SOUNDS like Greek? Hmm, that's a good one my lord . . ." * Addressing my mum as "Mrs A" * Her beautiful singing voice - two songs in particular stand out. Her performance at Rodborough in Oliver!, where she played Mrs Corney, singing "I Shall Scream", and - during our exchange trip to Germany in 1983 - singing (acapella) "A Little Peace". This was a typically thoughtful compliment to our hosts, as it was the song with which Germany won the Eurovision Song contest in 1982. Thank you, dearest Punge, for all you brought to my life. xx

If I should die before the rest of you, Break not a flower nor inscribe a stone. Nor, when I’m gone, speak in a Sunday voice, But be the usual selves that I have known. Weep if you must, Parting is hell. But life goes on, So sing as well. (Joyce Grenfell)