I first met Graham when I was a student at Guildhall in the 1980s. I had gone to GSMD in my mid 20s having been a music teacher first. I had no grant and so needed to supplement my income. Through a contact I had made in teaching days, I was offered work on a casual basis at Chester Music. It was there I met Graham. I used to pop in when I could and do the menial tasks, but as I was quite quick at all that, it left me time to chat to Mr Mackie who was charming and lovely and a really calm presence in that office, although I also witnessed his frustrations too. I looked forward to telling him my experiences as they happened at Guildhall and he and I used to discuss the newly arrived mezzo sensation - Cecilia Bartoli - so that is how long ago it was - and her coloratura ability. As a coloratura mezzo myself, it was a subject of some passion! He came to hear me sing and even cooked me a meal once: it was my first experience of fresh pasta! We had a good, chummy friendship amd of course, music was the lynch pin, but Graham's humour and appreciation of wit gave us a foundation of gentle fun. I remember when he met Julia. She had played in the orchestras sometimes when I had been doing concerts for Richard Cook, so I was delighted.It felt 'right'. Christopher and I met up with Julia and Graham on several occasions and I remember a fabulous New Year's Eve party at the Clapham house and going home afterwards slightly jealous! Musical lives get busy and we lost touch after they went to Singapore. Funnily enough, we did a family holiday there this year. Graham made his contribution to the world and I am sure there was a lot more yet for us to share with him. I was delighted when Julia got in touch this Christmas, and equally devastated to read her news. In my mind, I see Graham's smile and I can hear his laugh and I used to catch the looks which went between him and Julia on social occasions - pure and utter joy and happiness. Graham was a special person and I feel honoured that at one point in time, I shared a few moments with him just at the crucial time when he met Julia. Hey Graham - now you can hear all the concerts you want! RIP Janet Shell