Sylvia Cooke: A tribute

Sylvia, theoretically the junior partner, was the perfect foil for the other two.  Alec was quiet and introspective; Gobe, particular and often pedantic. Sylvia was outspoken, direct and jolly, a tonic.

The Botswana Society office could very easily have become a sober and intimidating place, but Sylvia with her infectious laugh ensured that the office was always a pleasure to visit. Laughter is not something that is a normal ingredient in most offices. Indeed, it is usually regarded as inappropriate, offices being serious places where serious work is being done.