What a birthday.
Following on a suggestion from Cathy, I think, I contacted Alllen Steele to see if he was attending Ivor's funeral, but Angela told me that Allen had an appointment to see the Hearing Aid man in Aylesbury, so that was out. My next phone call was to my dear Barbara Daniels, and of course, the answer was yes, come in our car. Brian was also pleased to help me out so that is what we did. I drove to Aylesbury via B4100 and A41 and arrived just in time to admire their lovely house, with its super conservatory, looking out on to a beautifully kept garden, well equipped with bird feeders and a lovely decking area, cum pergola. Somebody has been working hard.
I was pleased to see that I was not the only passenger as my dear little friend Brenda Goffin, also from the old Chinnor Op, was also waiting for me to arrive, so off we went to Amersham.
What a crowd of Chinnorites was at the Crem, all, like me-silver topped. We were met by Ken and Glen Ebbs, Martin and Sue Wright, and a host of other friends, pre-Operatic singers and dancers. David and Lyn Boyd-Leslie, the MacDonald Gibsons, Jack Wise, looking much older now, Brenda Chubb, (Edward was not there)sends her love to her No.1 pupil, Pete. Lynne, looking very brave, with her son, Richard and daughter Susie with her three identical young daughters and enormous Dutch husband Jack (Jacque), Andrew and Linda Cameron, Pat and Derek Pribyl, Sue Roderick and husband (Roddy), Sandy Watson, now re-married; ex-orthodentist Brian Christie and wife.(Name eludes me). George and Brenda Wilson, who took over the Parish Council reins from me in 1997. Derek and Elizabeth Nixey, Alison Hood and tall son and also Barbara's son Robin, now looking very tall and handsome. little Judy Thompson, looking no older, and so on down the cast list of so many shows.
The crem service was like something I have never known before, Ivor was a well-known non believer, so we had Jazz and a short address by Rev Mrs. Deval, and a much longer (3 A4 sheets) of appreciation and memories of his friend Andrew Cameron, a short treatise from two of Susie's daughters, another jazz number and we left without seeing the catafalque slide away, to meet in the rain, outside. Brian collected his car and we left, heading for Chinnor, where food was provided in the Village Centre (Not Villlage Hall Pete). Nearly all the Crem attenders were there and Lynne had provided us with various sandwiches, nibbles and wine of red and white. I was welcomed by so many of my old friends who praised my dear Margaret, but not TOO much to open my lacrima ducts.
In fact there was no time for tears, it was like a post show party. No more speeches, just a gradual fading away into the rain. More kissy, kissies from old friends, mainly ladies and we too were on our way back to Brian and Barbara's lovely house, where I left in my car before darkness spoiled my journey. I was home in good time and I said a silent prayer for Ivor and all my friends as well as my deliverance from mad drivers.
Thanks to my family for their Birthday Wishes and to Nic for his offer of a taxi-ride to wherever I want to go. Lovely boy. Love to all and sundry, especially to Brian for taking me to the Crem and to Chinnor! Thanks mate.
from friend and father and Grandad, Hugh
