Those We Have Lost - a look back at those connected with the world of sci-fi and fantasy who died in 2009. Thanks for the memories. I send you all a quiet smile and the warm feeling that you gave me.

Edward Woodward 1930 - 2009
A terrific actor who mastered the art of coiled rage. He will never be forgotten thanks to his lead role in the cult horror film, The Wicker Man, and as the title characters in TV classics Callan and The Equalizer. I will love him forever for his Harry Malone on short-lived show CI5: The New Professionals. He died peacefully in Cornwall surrounded by friends and family.

Tribute to Edward Woodward by Edgar Wright - who directed him in Hot Fuzz. Truly heartfelt and lovely.

My laptop mousepad refuses to respond so I'm forced to use a normal mouse all plugged in. I am scrambling to find someone to fix it. Maybe Jon's housemate who has so much computery knowledge?

Spent the past weekend in Cornwall with the parentals and went to see White Christmas at the theate. It's a wonderful traditional musical, adapted well from the awesome film. And they made it snow indoors! I was delighted. Go and see it people, either in Plymouth or when it moves to Salford soon. A great way to get into the festive spirit.

Busy busy busy. It's not even Halloween yet and already I am preparing for Christmas. It's that Dalrymple side of me coming out to assert control, more than usual anyway. I have presents bought for half my family and am struggling to think of something for little sis. The plan is to take those presents, wrapped and presentable, down with me when I visit the parents in November so that I have less to haul with me on December 24th when Anthony and I make our way there for Christmas itself. Travelling on trains is hard enough at Christmas without the lumpy awkward baggage of presents.

I also feel as though I am spreading my wings and jumping off from a great height as I fire off emails to all those far and wide who work computers and cameras at church for that great difficulty of my year - organising the Christmas rota for church service visuals. There are many services and naturally, my operators want to enjoy their own Christmases. But still, eager young Adam, only twelve and already straining at the leesh, is keen to do many duties now that he has learnt what to do and I have found wonderful Doug, computer sciences student who knows his Red Dwarf, who wants to learn everything. I'm gonna get him to ferret out more of his fellow students to join team, as we losing the ever wonderful and man of all answers, Jeremy as his work shifts him to Salisbury. I shall miss his reassuring presence very much so. Also the fantastic Mr Todd wishes to break away but has agreed to be emergencies only Pray for me and send all good thoughts that I would get this all fixed and ready by middle of next month.

Alas, we lose another. RIP Barry Letts. The man who produced the Jon Pertwee era of Doctor Who, who created the character of Sarah-Jane Smith, and who cast Tom Baker in the role and so changed everything. I feel I owe him so much and wish I'd met him to tell him so. Thinking of him gives me a warm nostalgic feeling. Today, I found a lovely message from his family to the fans. It says all it needs to:

"Barry always had a warm respect for the fans of Dr Who. As Barry’s family, we would like to thank everyone for their good wishes on the websites and forums following the news that Barry had died. We have been very touched that the many messages and tributes show such an appreciation and understanding, both of his work and of the very kind and wise man that Barry was."

RIP Stephen Gately (1976 - 2009)

I didn't know until Anthony told me last night. Stephen was only 33 years old. No news yet on what caused his death. He was a member of Irish boyband Boyzone and was my very first popstar crush. He was also one of the first popstars to come out as gay and the first boyband member to do so. I can't quite believe he's gone. He was a big part of my childhood, a poster on my wall and a video I watched again and again. My thoughts and prayers go out to his civil partner, Andrew, and all this family and friends. No one should leave us that young.

I believe in love, it's the best of everything
I believe in hope, and the changes it can bring
If you believe that nothing can stand in your way
Just say, I believe
- 'I Believe' by Stephen Gately

RIP Patrick Swayze (1952 - 2009)

"Patrick was a rare and beautiful combination of raw masculinity and amazing grace. Gorgeous and strong, he was a real cowboy with a tender heart" - Jennifer Grey

Dancer. Actor. Singer-songwriter. He fought cancer heroically and honestly. I admire him for that more than anything else.

Empire have summed him up nicely with this notification of his death.
And also provided a wonderful article and list of Why Patrick Swayze Kicked Ass, which is just perfect and really makes me want to experience more of his films.

Also RIP Keith Floyd, TV chef.

My first real experience of TV cookery and a firm favourite of my Dad. I have many memories of sitting by our living room fire and watching his show, my hair drying after swimming. I feel actually really emotional thinking about him gone, even though I haven't watched any of his shows for years. He's such a part of my childhood and I know he inspired so many people.

RIP John Hughes

There will never be another like you, who understood teenagers on such a wonderful level. Your films are not just pieces of 80s nostalgia, they still stand up and are loved by each new generation that discovers them. For me, it's The Breakfast Club that stands out. I can't thank you enough for it. I see myself in both the Basket Case and the Nerd and it was a wonderful gem to find.

There can be no finer tribute than this - the account of a teenager he became penpals with. It has to be read. Especially after this.

Thank you, John Hughes. For understanding us and putting us out there, for connecting with us, for making us laugh and for making us hopeful. For everything.

RIP Michael Jackson. RIP Farrah Fawcett.

"Legends always die too early" - Kel

I agree. I know Michael Jackson led a very strange and often questionable life, but his music was something else entirely. I have so many wonderful memories of dancing to his music at birthday parties, being terrified of the 'Thriller' music video, watching Moonwalker spellbound with my brother, Si, neither of us having a clue as to what was going on, Si playing 'You Are Not Alone' on his clarinet, and then everything coming full circle as I danced to his music at many university nights out. What he created was both breathtaking and groundbreaking, and that and the memories we have of it is what we should remember.

As for Farrah Fawcett, I am too young to remember Charlie's Angels, but I watched repeats and loved it. I know it was lots of glam and sometimes not much else, but I felt inspired and I liked the friendship that was portrayed. Farrah was courageous enough to have her battle against cancer filmed (Farrah's Story) and it's utterly tragic that she and long-time partner, Ryan O'Neal, will never get to marry in a few days time as they'd planned.

My prayers and thoughts are with the families of both. All I can say is thank you for the gorgeous memories I have that I will not allow to be tainted at all.

That was a super emotional couple of days. I feel entirely drained and unable to keep track of what today is.

Granny P's funeral was on Thursday. We all cried during one of the services and had the unique experience of riding in the black funeral car behind the hearse to each part of the day. Mum got through her tribute to her mum beautifully - the ending sentence was "and I was proud to be her daughter" - and me, Si and Ali all did our readings. When they played 'My Way' by Frank Sinatra at the end of the service, Mum sobbed. I held her hand and held her tight and thanked God for the amazing woman Granny P was. As Mum said, she wasn't just her mother, she was her friend. Everyone was crying afterwards.

Mum and Dad revealed to us that Granny P has provided a sum of money each for me, Si and Ali to pay for our education. When it comes through, I'll be able to pay off my student loan. It's an incredible feeling and it touched us all that Granny thought of such a thing. I'm wearing her door key around my neck on a chain. Is that weird? It comforts me. That's probably the weird thing.

It was odd having Si home. He was odd, all tangled up inside and hard and dismissive but still goofy and loving and a great laugh. He's dating one of his housemates, a French Canadian called Flavy, and still absolutely loving Thailand. He went out with friends Wednesday night and got plastered on absinthe with Jack Daniels chasers, giving me the shock of my life when he hammered on the door. I was the only one who woke up and cowered beneath my duvet til he eventually found his way in and sprawled at the bottom of the stairs, hiccuping. I barricaded my door and prayed. He's an unpredictable drunk. He thankfully stumbled upstairs and passed out in his room and was still drunk in the morning, having wild conversations with me and Mum at breakfast. He went back to Thailand today. I can only imagine what he'll be like at my wedding - he likes to delve into people's lives. I hope someone's just as blunt back to him!

Granny P passed away at about 5.30am this morning. I just got the call from Mum. She was subdued and I cried after the call was over. Granny P was the last one of her generation in our family, she's always been in my life. I honestly can't imagine what life will be like without her. I'll never get the chance to talk to her about my wedding. Mum is sad because she wanted to be there when Granny P passed on but she had to get home to sleep. A few hours later Granny was gone. I just can't explain the hole it leaves in our lives. She was just 100% unique and I'm so glad she was my Grandma. Now, she's no longer in pain and she's with her husband again. That makes me happy. Keep praying for us, we'd been expecting her death but it's still painful and there's so much Mum now has to do whilst she's grieving.