Today was a special day – remembering writer and historian, Gilda O’Neill, whose sudden death last year shocked so many of us.  At The Grapes in Narrow Street, a commemorative plaque was unveiled in her memory. 

The Grapes is one of the oldest pubs in the East End of London and was frequented by Dickens and Pepys.  There was a real fire blazing which was very welcome as there was sleet about, and there was a lovely crowd of people to celebrate Gilda’s life.

I’ll never forget Gilda’s warmth and kindness when I first moved to London and was new to the world of publishing.  She was always there with advice and was wonderfully supportive when we set up the London/South East Chapter of the RNA in 2001. 

I have a special book of writers’ inspirational quotes.  This is what Gilda wrote in my book: ‘My dear Victoria – you can write, you have things to say and you have readers out there just waiting for those books – don’t ever forget that!’

One thing is for sure – I shall never forget Gilda.