We are deeply sorry to announce that our previous Chair at Aakash Odedra Company, Lucy Phillips, passed away at the weekend.
Lucy is well known to many in the arts sector, as a passionate supporter, a tireless advocate, a compassionate friend, and a fantastic drummer with her band, The Boilers. In her time with us on the Board, Lucy has always been generous, warm hearted, and incredibly supportive to AOC staff, fellow Board members, and our Stakeholders. To say Lucy will be missed by us all is a huge understatement.
We wished to express some statements from Board and Senior Team:
AOC Chair of Board, Ri Chakraborty said: “We are all immensely fortunate for Lucy’s wisdom and guidance as a Board member. Lucy resonated joy, ensuring effective governance with warmth and intuition. We are truly so profoundly sorry and shocked to hear of Lucy’s untimely death.”
In her role at AOC, Lucy was always responsive to the communities served and considerate of everyone she met. Aakash Odedra, Artistic Director, said: “Lucy gave so much of her time and energy to the company during tough times and transitions.”
It was only very recently, Lucy was at the Peepul Centre in Leicester, celebrating with AOC at the opening night of Mehek. She took time to meet with Board members, staff, and she radiated happiness. Ali Robertson, Executive Director, said: “Lucy was phenomenally insightful. She was wonderful company.”
Co-Board member, Bhuvan Sharma, said: “Lucy was an incredible champion, not only for Aakash Odedra Company’s work, but also its role in serving Leicester’s local community. She was an exceptional leader, wonderfully compassionate and will be missed by everyone.”
Co-Board member, Mita Pujara, said: “Meeting and working alongside Lucy was nothing short of a privilege and always a pleasure. Most of all, I will remember the calm energy, grace, candour, warmth, and humour which Lucy never failed to bring to the table. May your spirit fly high wherever it lands dearest Luce aka Ginny Flickers.”
Our thoughts are with Lucy’s loved ones at this difficult time.
On behalf of all Board, past and present, and all the staff at Aakash Odedra Company.
Published: May 8th, 2024
