Dearest Nan, I remember meeting you for the first time at school when you were sitting just in front of me.  We were in and out of some of the same classes but by sixth form, together for Geography.  My clearest memory of those school days is a very wet and windy field trip to Wales, where we stood on a cliff in the cold and pouring rain, completely soaked in dreadful cagoules, while we listened to a long lecture about soil erosion or something.  I remember catching your eye, and starting to feel irrepressible giggles. I think our friendship was cemented on that particularly challenging field trip where our main theme of conversation was wondering exactly why we were there.  There was always so much laughter, so much amazement at the world, in equal measure about world politics and breakfast cereals.  You had crossed continents, and I went to school 12 miles from home and there was so much to share, to learn, to enjoy.  There was never enough time to finish our conversations, from the day we met.  You were - and continue to be - an inspiration to me, with your strength and ambition, humour and warmth.  I will truly miss you.  Vicks xx