We got back from Viva's funeral on Tuesday and found a bag full of rhubarb on our front step, a gift from a friend with an allotment! How strange.

The funeral was beautiful, set in a tiny village in Dorset. It had rained on and off all day, we got to the church for the four oclock service and the sun came out and shone through the stain glass windows throughout the service. Derek had asked for single purple flowers , Viva's favourite colour, and everyone arrived with just one stem which were placed on the altar steps.A lament by David Spillane( Riverdance) was played as the casket was carried into the chuch.Nearly everyone was dressed in purple, the ladies in long skirts or with purple hats and the men with purple ties, none of this pre arranged but quite spontainious,Joe Stead, just back from a tour in the USA, sang on the theme of 1 Corinthians 13. And Anne and Jen , who for many years sang with Viva as Dangerous Curves, sang " The dimming of the day"
The vicar was a lady who knew Viva so well and told us how she had been born in Goa India, her father was Italian , her mother part Irish, part Egyptian and part Indian. She came to England at the age of 4.She was the most generous of people and was loved by so many, they had speakers outside the church for anyone who could not be inside, it was so full.
After the service we walked to the church hall.Derek said a few words and then played a recording of Viva singing, what a beautiful voice!
Paul Downes and Phil Beer and Mick Silver sang and we all sat round sharing wonderful memories of a very special freind.A beautiful bitter sweet day.
Peter I put your message in the memory book as you asked. I sat next to Derek Sargent and Dave Smith from Croyden Folk Club.
Wendy