June was such a true and dear friend, one of the world's truly good people, but you all know that anyway. I always found it hard to believe someone who had been through so much was still always ready to help anyone and stand up for those in need.
We met on the way to get the bus to go to the Anti Poll Tax demonstration on 31st March 1990, a very good day in my life when I met the dearest friend I've ever had, and when we started laughing together.
Many days were spent campaiging against the Poll Tax and once she'd sorted that out we were on to the campaign against selling off the Council Houses. The 'straightforward' way (I'm sure you all know what I mean!) June dealt with pompous Councillors at meetings was a source of much merriment for the rest of us 'activists', June had no time for pretentions but she was never unkind, very funny, very blunt, but never unkind.
And that was the person I was so privileged to know for many years and call my friend, I remember days in Penge, days in Rome, days in Wales, days in Chatham and days in Gillingham, sad days and merry days, but always warm and sincere, sometimes tears, but mostly, irreverance and laughter, and that beautiful wicked grin. I remember more recently at M&S in Bluewater, I was literally pinned in the corner of the lift by June's hired mobility scooter,, she couldn't work out how to free me and just kept bumping back and forwards, the lift kept going up and down but noone could get in because June's scooter was across the door, I couldn't move, partly through hysterical laghter. The queues were increasing each time the lift went up and down and shoppers were becoming less and less amused which of course only made us laugh all the more. We did extricate ourselves eventually but that episode about sums up our times together really; chaotic and silly!
I loved June to bits and will miss her terribly, but mostly I feel so lucky to have known her and will cherish the many memories.
Susan
28th March 2020
