Cressida Petra Gay Davies

Dear Cressida Petra Gay (it took me several years to get you to admit to your middle names)

You were my very good friend and commuting companion through the years you worked for Wandsworth. Just about every working day you would battle your way through the platform scrum at Clapham Junction and find us seats together on Southern Rail's (poor) service to Portslade (I preferred you call it West Hove but you refused) and Worthing, where you lived.

Always carriage 7, I remember. Never outmanoeuvred, you would position yourself dangerously close to the platform edge, just where you knew the doors would open, blocking our speedy-boarding rivals, then make a dash for a double seat, thumping down your big bag to reserve the space beside you, as I ineffectually trailed in your wake.

If you were quick to board, it was nothing to the speed with which you dispatched The Guardian Crossword. We had a printed copy each and competed. Rarely did we get as far as East Croydon without you flourishing your propelling pencil in victory.

Then you would turn to your hobbies and books. The photo I have uploaded is of you knitting goodness knows what in carriage 7, but that was just one of your many creative talents.

And you were very funny. Following an overheard conversation between a young couple about who was the first man on the moon, when one of them declared authoritatively it was Lance Armstrong, you whispered in my ear that he must have been on ET's bike!

On high days and holidays we treated ourselves to foil-topped plastic glasses of merlot - two each. I always spilt mine; you never did.

Even though we remained friends and met up sometimes, I missed you after you left Wandsworth. My commute home was a lonely one without you.

And now you are gone, brave Cressida Petra Gay, and I am just one of so many who will miss you, and there must be many for whom the loss must be overwhelming. I shall picture you, my friend, shouldering your bag down carriage 7, crossword in hand, quizzical smile playing across your face, knitting a big green something.

Andrew

I worked with Cressida in Newham she was funny kind and quirky and was an amazing human being .
Loved reading her train stories on FB .. Always cheered up my day.
We also had mutual friends of which Cressida had been to school with and grew up (it’s a small world ) it was a shock to loose such a beautiful soul from this world fly high beautiful girl

Sending my deepest sympathies to all who knew Cressida.

Cressida was an exceptional person , funny , kind, generous of spirit, thoughtful , talented in so many ways - her creativity was amazing . She also had a slightly anarchic quality which was fabulous ! Loved her humour - thinking of everyone who loved her - she will be so missed

I will always remember the lovely Cressida with respect and affection. She was a truly valued teaching colleague.

Cressida was an inspirational teacher and colleague who all of us in the Pupil Support Service in Kensington and Chelsea came to love and admire. Cressida first joined us in the 1990's. Periodically she left to follow other challenges and experiences but luckily we were always able to lure her back to West London by offering her new projects and adventures. These came in a variety of guises including providing training to schools, setting up a new team to support children with Autism in Early Years settings and in later years expanding her knowledge and support into surrounding London Boroughs.

Cressida was an outstanding teacher whose specialism was devising strategies to help children with additional educational needs. Her main role in our service was to support those professionals teaching such children on a day to day basis. Her approach was one of listening, observing and understanding in order to collaboratively create, develop and implement a programme of support in the child's educational setting. Such work requires great skill and tact something she held in abundance.

We will all miss Cressida's strong and positive personality but maybe most of all her humour, warmth and humanity. She helped generations of children and numerous professionals and leaves a lasting educational legacy in West London.
All of us who worked so closely with Cressida over many years will miss her great sense of fun. She was a unique person.

Thanks Cressida for being such a great friend and colleague. You helped and supported so many people. Your legacy will live on.

I got to know you through you twin Auran whom I tough at Lewisham college , we all got together when you came and worked with us at our youth club , that was set up because Auran’s group enjoyed each other’s company they wanted to keep together so my husband and I set Gems Youth club . Cressida you were a gem , working with us for a few years before changing your career . Auran and I have always stayed in touch now over 41 years she has always kept me up to date about you and the family .
Cressida you have been an inspiration to so many people sadly missed with love Jill hunter

Cressida you were such a vibrant, resilient and strong spirit, with such a mischievous sense of humour and sharp wit. What a wonderful fellow student and colleague at West Dean you were and, so very talented.. may you rest in peace. The beautiful memory of you will live on … you will always be with us. Much love , Maxine.