Shocked and saddened members of Woking Writers Circle have been paying tribute to fellow member Carla Scarano D’Antonio, poet and artist, and so many other things, who has died suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of 60. 

Heather Cook said: “Carla was an extraordinarily talented writer and artist, but her legacy extends way beyond her own incredible achievements. She always reached out to others, encouraging her fellow writers and sharing a great deal of practical information. On a personal level, she helped me to be much braver about my writing and to relax and enjoy it. Carla never hesitated to bestow the precious gift of time in the course of her extremely busy – and far too short – life, and was quite simply the most wonderful friend.” 

Sarah Bell said:“At a recent WWC meeting, I remember commenting to Carla, rather hurriedly, as we were just about to begin our meeting, how beautiful she looked in bright citrus colours. Carla smiled, her lovely, quiet smile. There are certain people we are fortunate to know, on whatever level or for however long, who radiate support, generosity, and a kind nature in their interactions and deeds. Carla had all these special qualities. Recently Carla gave me a signed copy of her poetry book Workwear and as a fan of her poetry, it was immediately classed as a forever treasure. The poems are the true essence of Carla’s personality, vibe, and creativity. It was a treat to hear Carla read her poems at our meetings. Her poems and voice always resonated, always connected.

“When reading Carla’s poems, I can hear her voice, Italian and English entwined in a pleasing musical way. At Christmas, Carla gave me a pretty card featuring one of her paintings. I loved the painting and asked if we could use it to lend some artistic flair to the WWC minutes and Carla kindly agreed. As I experimented with poetry Carla very gently suggested attending the Stanza meetings, so I attended in February when Carla hosted the meeting. It was such a good event and an opportunity to learn more, just as Carla had indicated.  The launch of Workwear was very special indeed, particularly when Carla’s granddaughter gave us all a wave before bed. How wonderful it was to hear Carla read some of her poems. Thank you, Carla, for giving so much of yourself, your kind encouragement, conveying your love of life through your poetry, your art, your talent, and the delightful homemade cakes you brought to our meetings. When reading your beautiful poems, I’ll hear your unique voice and will continue to be inspired by you.”

Alan Dale reflected that “writing offers us many facets of its intrinsic nature to contemplate, as we share our work. One of Carla’s many gifts was the ability, whether in prose or verse, to present any subject or narrative in a delightfully multifaceted style. Thus those of a more reflective or philosophical nature were never short of fresh, original material on which to ponder. Our romanticists rarely lacked a moving, heart- warming culinary or social reminiscence. Academics, meanwhile, could enjoy Carla’s journey through the labyrinthine realms of textual analysis for which she became so justly admired and ultimately honoured. We have all lost a dear friend and kindred spirit, and I for one will greatly miss her kindly unassuming presence.”

Cathy Rogan, a member of Woking Writers Circle for a number of years, said: “I was recently at meditation retreat where we had an evening of writing haikus. I remembered Carla giving us all handfuls of handwritten haikus which I kept to display in my new home. There was also an Italian participant who asked to write the haiku in his own language, which made me think how clever Carla was to write so well in English.”

Greg Freeman, a member of Woking Writers Circle for 20 years, who now lives in Northumberland, said: “I remember reading poetry in Woking Park under a gazebo to a small gathering several years ago. Carla was there, and so was fellow WWC member Liz Lennie. Liz recruited her to the circle that afternoon, and well done, Liz, for doing so. Carla gave so much to our group, in so many ways, not least with her knowledgeable reviews of art exhibitions at the Lightbox, which added intellectual gravity – and a lot of hits – to our website!

“And family and food and warmth and generosity is very much how I regarded Carla. I will never forget how, only two days after moving to the north-east, we found ourselves in one of Newcastle’s most popular restaurants, celebrating her wedding anniversary at her invitation with her beloved family. A memory I will always cherish. I also have one of her paintings, of the north-east coast, on the wall above my computer as I write this. It has given me some comfort, somehow, during these days of shock and sadness.”  

And Patricia Lally wrote this wonderful poem, titled simply ‘Carla’:

I think of all the things you brought to our group.

Not just the beautiful poetry, read in a lilting Italian voice.

Adding a depth and character, the bouquet of a fine wine.

Those dishes that you conjured for us.

The language that tickled our tastebuds.

Aromatic flavours, textures that tantalised us.

Awakening us to culinary delights hitherto untried.

You brought with you a warmth, smiling, attentive assertive.

Your sense of self, of family, of place and time.

Intriguing. Enlightening.

Sharing Margaret Atwood, your Canadian adventures.

Letting us into your world, your family.

The windswept walks, derelict history.

Colour, art, extending our experience.

Ekphrastic poetry.

Those tasty morsels, Italian authenticity at its best.

Stories of childhood punctuated by pearls of wisdom.

A loving daughter, a caring mother,

A very intelligent aspirational lady.