On this day in 2013 I began to write this blog and the date was significant because it was dad’s birthday. Dad died in July 2014 aged 86 after a life lived to the full. Each year I look back at the photo albums and remember the man who educated himself (he left school aged 13), who was a devoted husband, loving father and incredibly dutiful son and a man who knew how to make the most of every day. There was fun and glamour in abundance. He played football, cricket, tennis, snooker and golf all to a high level (I have a box of his trophies as proof). He was an excellent bridge player and he and mum saw every notable play, show and film as well as spending many nights playing cards, wining and dining at The Colony Club and going to watch Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Sometimes I wonder how he managed to fit in work – but he did (he was an accountant) and supported us as well as his parents. Extraordinary.

There is so much more to say and hundreds of photographs many of them with his grandchildren (who he adored and who adored him) and with the two great grandchildren that he was blessed to see and know – the oldest remembers him well. What a life and what an example. Thank you dad.