I remember Julia as somebody who always made the best of whatever situation she was in, with determination and good humour, from the very first moment I met her, in the maternity ward - her with her rubber ring barely able to sit down, and me with my Caesarian scar barely able to stand up. We met up again when the boys started at playgroup - which Nat always thought was Andrew's playgroup, so he was obviously impressed by Julia's powers of organisation! She was always willing to help out - Nat still remembers that she made it possible for him to go to Mary Dunn's dance classes with Andrew, taking him after school because I couldn't get home from work in time. I remember her hosting book-buying evenings at the flat in Essex Road South, where her hospitality ensured we always had a great time. She was full of ideas and energy, and always determined to do the best by Andrew and Becky. Here's to Julia.