Recent Deaths

 I've just come back from holiday, to the sad news that there have been several deaths around Hay.

Just before I left, of course, Rodders died - he was a well known figure walking around Hay, always very friendly.  Lots of people have fond memories of Rodders.

Now I've learned that Ricky Kramer has died.  He was South African, though he's lived in Hay for many years.  He rode around Hay on his bike with bells dangling from the frame, and his little dog in the basket.

Also Susan Harper has died.  In recent years, she suffered from Alzheimers, but before that she was very outgoing and interested in all sorts of things.  She always dressed flamboyantly, with lots of badges, and always a blouse and matching tie.  She's been photographed by Billie Charity, and interviewed on TV during the Hay Festival.  I once accompanied her on a coach tour to Stratford-upon-Avon to see the Tempest, which was a marvellous day out.  She had seen many of the old Shakespearean stars perform on stage.

 Here she is with me a few years ago - I was reciting a poem at the regular Wednesday evening acoustic session (they still go on every week) at Baskerville Hall.

Her daughter Lizzie Harper also lives in Hay, and is a professional illustrator.  For instance, she worked with Adele Nozedar on The Hedgerow Handbook about ten years ago.