Recollections of Pat Moody
By Nicole Loftus-Potter
Clad in your little black outfit, black leather and German boots. You are there resting in this box, your last wishes all fulfilled. You were taken, blessed by Father Welan, whom you liked especially because he was a link with Sister Albius, who had been such a great friend to your mother and to you. Since you have left us, my life has been a continual meditation with you. I see you as I liked you the most, when your stern face suddenly broke into a radiant smile, warm, comforting, animated, full of your spirit, never death, never destruction, but life. You revered the Queen Mother, you loved your friends, and you were completely loyal to them.
You entered my life like a little cat, a chilly spring Sunday, about 10 years ago. Previously I had only met you at Doctor Samuel’s, twice or three times but only socially and you had come to me Christmas evening, and I have a photograph of you discussing with Mrs Theodorian, yet another character. When you entered the shop, I saw immediately that something was wrong, you were tipsy, there had been the inauguration of a bench in front of Adelaide House, and you had drunk a glass of champagne on an empty stomach. I took you gently to the back of the shop and anchored you to a sofa, and later gave you a hot cup of tea. Not a word was exchanged, just a smile. I gave you an ashtray and you started smoking a cigarette in a long holder, which gave you that very distinguished 1920’s look. So was starting my beautiful friendship with you, extraordinary woman.
I shall never finish discovering what and who you really were. One we all loved, admired or stopped irritably because you could be a great pain in the neck.
You had five passions:
Art and creativity in all aspects
Life and adventure – ready to try anything
Your friends
The Queen Mother
Deal
Life involved you in all activities and explained the charm you had on all your women friends and all the men in the trends of life. You remember how they were flocking around your BSA Bantam motorbike, or when you were driving your Celica and especially when you were at the wheel of your Austin Healey frog-eyed Sprite, who is following you today. How you could interest all because not only were you driving, but you knew your machines completely and discussed with Carl, your faithful garage manager who drove your Sprite today.
….ooooo….