Rose Reid BEM

The following letter was sent to Rose's daughter and sums up our memories of Rose

Dear Linda

I was so sorry to hear of Rose's death last week. it is now a few years since we last met but memories of her burn bright. I had only been in post a matter of a few weeks (in 2002) when I came up to a conference in Scotland. I didn't quite know what to expect, but there was a lot to remember: from the piper, to the procession, to the crossed bottles of whisky held aloft. While Rose wasn't actually in charge, I sensed from conversations in the room that her influence was still felt.

.....and I guess that has been my feeling for the last ten years: not in charge, but her influence is felt. Sometimes it has been in the chirpy and enthusiastic comment, and sometimes just the tilt of the head, and the flash in the eyes on the other side of the room.

This note would not be complete if I did not mention the good-humoured exchanges (which we all enjoyed) with Lord Fraser. She and Peter always seemed to connect. A 'wee dram' often helped.

Then there was her care for the lovely Hannah, who worked here, and died some years ago. Rose always had something to say to make Hannah smile during the dark months of her illness.

So many memories, memories of a feisty lady who knew her own mind, and wasn't scared of sharing those thoughts, memories of a lady who worked hard not for herself, but the causes she believed in, memories of a lady with a big heart who always had time to make new friends.

As I'm sure you recognise, we could keep going. Rose has been an important person in our movement's history...though no longer in charge, her influence is still felt. Our heart goes out to you all: a small lady who filled a big space.

With very best wishes on behalf of everyone at Attend

Yours sincerely

David M Wood OBE BA(Hons) AKC PCC Chartered FCIPD MInstF MBIFM

Chief Executive