Babs Naim

The passing of Babs Naim on Christmas Eve marked the end of an era, as she was the only person living to have been present for the launch of The Repertory Players in 1931, the opening of the Reps Theatre in 1960 and both the 50^th anniversary of the theatre in 2010 and the 80^th anniversary of the society in 2011. A Theatre Foundation Member, she was the embodiment of service to others, not only through her connections with Reps and WVS, but through her many other community-minded activities over many decades. A moving eulogy given by her daughter, Linda, at the funeral on Sunday told of her life and her commitment to others and underlined just how much this wonderful woman gave to the people she served in her various capacities. The funeral was attended by the Reps Chairman and Vice Chairman, as well as a number of other Reps members and the Chairman was privileged to be asked to be a pallbearer. No words can truly establish just what a remarkable person Babs was. As a member of Reps she had a major impact on the society and its activities. That – and her presence in recent years sitting quietly just in front of the stage left usher seats in her wheelchair, listening (for she had lost her sight) to performances – will be hugely missed but will always be remembered and valued. We shall not see her like again.