 Vera, tall, slim, distinguished, and very beautiful, was a feisty, larger-than-life character, who enjoyed friendships, a glass or two of claret and good conversation.There was no beating around the bush ... she made her straightforward views known to all, from high-profile scientists and politicians, to farmers, fishermen and children.Vera was an active campaigner against developments that could adversely affect what she called 'my river'.