It was at the book launch in 2011 for the late film-maker
Albie Thoms at the Paddington Town Hall that
Whispers last spoke to Richard Neville
(pictured left at the launch)
A close friend confided that Richard had been diagnosed with early-onset dementia. He seemed fine and in good spirits but sadly this terrible scourge carried Neville off earlier this month at age 74.
It's a shame we couldn't make the memorial last Saturday morning for
Richard at
The Wharf but Sydney's chronicler of personalities, photographer
William Yang was there:
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| Richard Walsh & Julie Clarke Neville |
"RICHARD NEVILLE'S memorial event was, appropriately, something of a talk
fest. The speakers, each in their way excellent, created a diverse and
rich tribute to Richard. Julie Neville welcomed the guests and Richard
Walsh began the avalanche of memories. Louise Ferrier, once girlfriend
to Richard, spoke of the time in London. George Gittoes read a message
from Julian Assange. Charlie Waterstreet, Jenny Kee, Morris Gleitzman
gave tributes. Bryan Brown read Richard's adaptation of
Ginsberg's poem "Howl" set in a more modern corporate world. Hellen
Rose and Reg Mombassa each sang songs. Richard's daughters, Angelica and
Lucy. stole the show. They painted Richard as a father conflicted by
his alternative, libertine past and a persona they called "The Colonel",
(his father was a colonel), who had extremely conservative views when
it came to raising his daughters, and who terrorised their boyfriends.
The singalong of Dylan's "Mr Tambourine Man" as the finale almost worked.
The event at the Wharf was a true TRIBAL GATHERING, touched with
sadness and celebration, and memorable because of the speeches.
Words & Photos by WILLIAM YANG
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| Jenny Kee & William Yang * Tony & Amanda Bilson * Jill Wran & David Malouf * Mick Glasheen |
