I first met Shelley when I was a teenager and moved in with my Aunt and Grandma, due to typically tense and dramatic scenarios as one tends to experience in those formative years! And quickly I came to know her as another member of the family really, who was central, engaged and frankly cherished in all our lives. Long and numerous were the nights with Shelley and Tracy animatedly regaling comic tales of those early years teaching at Kennet Valley Primary! For Tracy, Shelley was I felt a terrific friend; the ones you really hope to find in life - and for that I was very grateful. For there was refuge in Shell. Respite. Something I felt keenly. From the very first moment I met her, Shelley was unassuming and trusting. No judgment, no drama. Her company felt so easy - that endless trove of cultural knowledge and curious observation, so wonderfully told in that distinctive voice, full of warmth and humour. An old soul you felt; wise to the melodrama of it all. For with Shelley there really was a gloriously unbudging sense of self. One from which you always could take great comfort. Shelley truly was the type of person it’s so lovely to have around. Much love Shell as always. And blessings!x And lots of love of course to all the Lowther’s. I hope you’re all ok. Your mum was of tremendous character and meant so much to so many, which I’ve no doubt lives on in all of you. She was so proud of you all. Tim xx