This is how I became a close friend of Sylvia’s.
I first met Sylvia at Sparsholt College in 1988 when we were on a 1 term evening class for chaining chairs. In 1989 we met again when Sylvia was with a colleague of mine selling raffle tickets for a mini car in aid of Parkinson’s uk. As a result of these meetings, my colleague asked me to join the local branch of Parkinson’s as I was about to retire. It was not long before I was involved with Parkinson’s and, as Sylvia and I got to know each other more, she introduced me to the Winchester branch of Soroptimist International and I became a member in 1991. In 1996 Sylvia retired as Chairman of Winchester Parkinson’s branch and I was elected to take over from her. In 2012, after many committee meetings to which Sylvia belonged, and unknown to me, I was awarded the BEM for my work with Parkinson’s and when I was invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace, I invited Sylvia to join me. We had a wonderful time. I have enjoyed many social events with Sylvia and realise that, without her, perhaps I would never have joined Parkinson’s or become a Soroptimist. I will miss Sylvia. She was a real lady, full of charm and understanding.
Myra Clare
Winchester based Soroptimist