This marvellous man was 95 years old yesterday. A party was hosted by the local Railway Tavern with fun and merriment provided by many of John's friends.
There was a beautiful buffet and John was swamped with gifts and cards, enfolded in hugs and affection.
He must have been tired by the end of the evening, I know I was.
He must have been tired by the end of the evening, I know I was.
Some of you may remember our very dear friend Terry - ex Royal Marine who endured three terrible years as a prisoner of war during the Korean War.
This is Joan, you may remember that she grew up in Belleau and was able to give me lots of the history of the place, she also paints marvellous pictures and ices cakes, beautifully - despite very severe sight problems.
Three of my favourite village elders!
They put the rest of us to shame with their energy.
They are the most interesting people to settle down and have a chat with
and I am extremely fond of each of them.
Yesterday morning we had to do a few things in Lincoln, the weather was awful, so I didn't take many photographs.
Here is a photograph for Meggie on the Prairie - with the promise of many more when we visit next time!
This quick shot shows the Castle and the Cathedral and the huddle of old red brick houses and shops.
It was a quick snap taken from the car park.
I liked the idea of so much history all in one frame.
There was a little sadness yesterday as I heard that another of my favourite people had died. Sheila was a marvellous and strong minded woman. She was very no-nonsense, having been a farmer's wife, but she was kind, always willing to help, or have a chat, she had a terrific sense of humour.
She will be missed.
Three of my favourite village elders!
They put the rest of us to shame with their energy.
They are the most interesting people to settle down and have a chat with
and I am extremely fond of each of them.
Yesterday morning we had to do a few things in Lincoln, the weather was awful, so I didn't take many photographs.
Here is a photograph for Meggie on the Prairie - with the promise of many more when we visit next time!
It was a quick snap taken from the car park.
I liked the idea of so much history all in one frame.
There was a little sadness yesterday as I heard that another of my favourite people had died. Sheila was a marvellous and strong minded woman. She was very no-nonsense, having been a farmer's wife, but she was kind, always willing to help, or have a chat, she had a terrific sense of humour.
She will be missed.
that's my sort of "do"
ReplyDeleteHi John, I wish you had been there - you would have enjoyed it!
DeleteA lot of history in one room too Elaine.
ReplyDeleteSorry about your friend.
Hi Chris, Absolutely right! They are never short of a tale of times gone by, but they are also full of fun and I'm sure you would like them. Have I ever mentioned that John kept bees for many years, right up until the end of last year. He was the local expert.
DeleteOh, Elaine....what a wonderful party to celebrate a life lived so long. And the photo, of the cathedral and castle, is not like a travel photo you see. To think,yesterday you were actually standing there, taking in centuries of history.
ReplyDeleteHi Meggie, We nearly always park in that particular car park, but yesterday was the first time I used my eyes properly and saw what I could see. So for that I must thank you. The party was a fairly impromptu gathering with just a couple of days notice, so it was great to see something like 40 or 50 people managed to turn out for him.
DeleteIs it the water or the air?..those elders are rather fab for their ages...and I'm betting that Terry has broken a few hearts in his time!
ReplyDeleteJane x
Hi Jane, We are hoping it is both, so we are breathing deeply and drinking copious amounts of H2O. Terry is a really handsome man, but even more than that he has wonderful, old-fashioned manners. I love him to bits. (George does know)
DeleteWhat a briliant party to share with the old 'uns. Terry is very handsome. Love his wonderful smile.
ReplyDeleteHi Molly, It was a terrific party! I shall give you honorary membership of the Terry fan club - welcome!
DeleteWhat a lovely get together...I have very vague memories of my long since passed grandmother talking about her memories upon hearing about the news of the Titanic. How I wish I had listened now...all these stories are so precious...
ReplyDeleteHi Green Dragonette I suppose we are so eager to go forward that looking back has no appeal. when we are young. I know my own family have been surprised by some of the things I have recorded here, they have heard the stories before - but they didn't listen...just as I didn't pay attention and listen/question my parents.
DeleteHow nice of you to share this heart-warming experience. It must have been so wonderful to have all those darling people in one place at the same time, and looking so happy and fit! Good times that make good memories--how lucky they are to have such an appreciative friend like you!
ReplyDeleteHi Ms Sparrow, I wish you could have been there too, you would have had great fun. It was probably all the better for being hastily organised - lots of interesting conversations with people who have a great zest for life.
DeleteThe elders look quite young.Terry looks quite mischievous. The history in that last photo -- I'm as taken with it as Meggie is.
ReplyDeleteHi Janet, I'm so pleased you like it too. We probably won't go to Lincoln until about September, but we'll pick a day when the weather forecast is good, we'll wear our walking boots and 'do' all the tourist spots we have the energy to fit in, taking lots of photos along the way. I'll fit in as much history as I can.
DeletePS You are right about Terry, even when he was ground down by sickness and bad treatment as a POW in Korea he was capable of mischief. I read about one of his little jokes in a book written by one of his fellow prisoners!