I met Barbara early in 1997 at the NSW Storytelling Guild’s Conference held at Macquarie University. We were new members of the Guild, and keen to learn about the art of Oral Storytelling. We continued to meet every month at the Guild’s monthly workshops held at the Rozelle Writers Centre. We started telling our stories and discussed the effects our stories had on the audience and ourselves.
Barbara had a wonderful voice for Storytelling with her soft Scottish accent, and her imaginative, descriptive expression. Everyone loved listening to Barbara tell stories from all over the world. Barbara was a Librarian, so had many resources from which to discover intriguing stories.
Barbara told stories in Schools, Retirement villages, at Church and with her husband Malcolm and his group of Barbershop singers.
Barbara suffered the deepest sadness any parent can suffer with the loss of her first daughter to cancer. Barbara was a devout Christian, and her deep faith helped her to keep her faith and love for Malcolm and Lee to guide her through life's tragic effects. Barbara suffered many illnesses which she fought and overcame.
Her love of Storytelling and its important influences on the audience assisted her to face life bravely and with determination.
Barbara was a highly respected and treasured member of the Storytelling Guild for many years. She served on the executive committee bringing her experience and passion to forwarding the work of the Guild. She will also be fondly remembered for her famous pikelets and delicious soups which she brought to many of our gatherings
Barbara will be missed by all our members and all her friends.
Vale dear Barbara. Rest in Peace

Sue Alvarez
Life Member, Australian Storytelling Guild. NSW
OAM