Miss Sheila Scotter AM MBE

I've lapsed from writing my blog lately, no reason why and not for the lack of content, but as often happens in life the longer you leave doing something the harder it seems to become, even if the task is pleasurable.  Today I'm back on track, although for a sad reason as an extremely dear and close friend has just passed away.  It's her voice in my head encouraging me to just get on with it (infact giving me short shrift for procrastinating).   So in loving memory of Sheila Scotter I'd like to share some thoughts as to why she has been such an amazing inspiration in my life and the privilege of knowing her will continue to influence me even in her absence. 

Some people have incredible presence and Sheila was one of those, always dressed in her signature style of black and white.  I first met her through mutual friends 20 years ago when I went to live in Melbourne, Australia, having embarked on the type of adventure one undertakes in one's twenties that just evolves.  A Londoner by birth England was home and my original plan was to go to Sydney for a year to broaden my horizons.  I never did get to live in Sydney but  decided instead to go to Melbourne, even though I didn't know a soul there.  Described to me as 'formidable but loving' Sheila lived up to their words and took me under her wing.   

When I first knew her Sheila lived at 'The Stables' in Millswyn Street, South Yarra.  Professionally decorated there was a beautiful small walled garden planted only with carefully chosen green shrubs and white flowers, lit at night to become a delightful feature bringing the outdoors in.  Her subsequent home was my favourite of the two - a spacious, comfortable and chic apartment in the heart of Albert Park, Melbourne.   Ideal for entertaining as Sheila was the perfect host, the table was always beautifully laid and thoughtful touches of things on display relevant to her guests' interests were complemented with stunning flowers.  Having returned to the UK after my stint of living in Australia subsequently seeing Sheila on trips back over the years was always a highlight of my travels.  Our friendship continued through cards and phone calls across the miles and I shall miss the sound of her voice.  Even to the last, at the age of 91 her erudite advice and sharp observations had the same clarity of when I first met her.

Although Sheila's autobiography "Snaps, Secrets and Stories from my life" is widely known in Australia, not many people know of her earlier book "The Bedside Cookbook" - a fascinating collection of stories and recipes sourced through her own experiences of so many amazing people and places.  Having had the pleasure of helping Sheila organise a couple of her renowned fundraising gala evenings in aid of causes close to her heart such as the Australian National Ballet, I learnt so much - particularly the impeccable timing of running an event, including after dinner speakers to keep to 'three minutes max' as her briefing notes stated (irrespective of whomever they were).  Woe betide anyone who spoke for longer as they risked being admonished in front of the entire room of guests.

On Sheila's last trip to the UK I enjoyed a wonderful day taking her on a trip down memory lane to see her old school (St. Swithun's near Winchester, Hampshire) and for lunch in the New Forest, an area of her childhood that she loved.   Sheila's loyalty to her friends, generosity and great sense of humour may not have been so apparent to those who didn't know her well.  As Editor of Vogue Australia and founder of Vogue Living magazine Sheila truly blazed her own trail.  Ever practical, Sheila told me she had planned her funeral service to the last, including her desire to have an eco-conscious woven casket and to be buried in her white silk dressing gown.  Living on the other side of the world I'm so sorry that the distance means I won't be able to attend her funeral in Melbourne and pay my last respects in person.  So Sheila, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for being such an incredible friend and mentor.  As you said to me when John Truscott passed away "I envy the angels".  They are in for a treat.  God Bless.