Val and I were friends for almost 30 years. I remember very well the night we first met - she'd invited me to a dinner party (as the friend of a friend) despite not knowing me from Adam! We hit it off immediately. We drank a lot of wine, did a lot of laughing and talked much about books that night. And that rather set the tone of our friendship. We performed in numerous shows with The Apex Players together and, both being big movie fans, had regular nights out to the cinema. But mostly we'd split a bottle of wine or two together and talk the night away, frequently into the wee small hours, and never run out of things to say. After I moved to London, Val was kind enough to put me up during my trips to Sheffield and would spoil me rotten! I have so many very happy memories of her. I will miss Val so very much, especially her humour, her boundless hospitality, her affection, her warmth and her fierce intelligence. She was fantastic company and a brilliant friend. Good night, beautiful lady. You will be forever in our hearts. 

My sincerest sympathy to Charlotte, Bev and all Val's family. Grief is the price we pay for love and Val was loved indeed.