Children Memories

Richard recalls undertaking a sponsored cycle ride from Cheltenham to the Isle of Wight, when at the last moment his companion rider pulled out. Dad immediately offered to take his place, probably without realising what was entailed in a 5 day and night journey on a sub-standard bike. Needless to say they both made it.

• He loved comedy, especially the Goons, Monty Python and later Blackadder. On one occasion he and Matthew watched an episode where Blackadder was court martialled for killing the General’s pigeon, Speckled Jim, and he became so contorted with laughter that a nice glass of Claret fell from his hands and changed the colour of the sofa!

• Mike remembers Dad’s and Mum’s generosity in bringing a deaf and blind lady named Kathleen to the family home each Sunday afternoon. The children were all encouraged, and learnt to, communicate with her using sign language.

• Louise recollects when Dad was in New Zealand, that after backpacking his way around the islands like a 20 year old, (at the tender age of 70), he returned to her home in Auckland and promptly built her a table!