I so dearly want to be with you on Thursday Penni but am committed driving Jeff home from Dunedin after a cataract operation. Our thoughts will be with you and all the family, and we’ll have a toast to Graeme; a special man.

You know I would be walking alongside you if I possibly could, Penni.
I shall raise a glass to Graeme during his funeral, and in my heart will be there with you all .

Oh dear, I'm so sorry Penni. I had wanted to attend the funeral, but the National Concerto Contest has its first day (out of two) on Thursday, and it's full on, as Graeme knew well. As rehearsal supervisor, MC and accompanist for one performer as well, I'm kind of locked in.
I did appreciate my time working with Graeme, with his quiet, no-nonsense approach to the business of the NCC Trustees' Meetings. I also remember working with him long ago when he was still teaching at Heaton Intermediate, and produced his own musical "Our Scene" in the Town Hall. It was fun watching all the pupils getting such a kick of performing in the big auditorium. Graeme leaves a very big gap to fill in the musical life of this city (particularly in the field of young people's music) and will be greatly missed.
My warmest wishes to you at this very sad time. Michael

Dear Penni
Thank you for this message. I have let Philip Norman know (he is planning to be there), and I have been in daily contact with John Emeleus.
Love from Paul