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Two anniversaries and a cousin’s birthday.

On November 13th 2013 I began to write a blog from The Gables

It was a special day in many ways as it was my father’s 86th birthday and the number 13 was my family’s special number. It is also the birthday of my mother’s youngest first cousin – I sent her a song from the goats this morning!

My next book is a love letter to my parents – Dad who left us in June 2014 and Mum who joined him in February 2022. It spans a sweep of history from 1927 – the year in which they both were born – through to Mum’s departure three days before the outbreak of the invasion of Ukraine. Ordinary yet extraordinary lives.

Below are some more photographs from the large archive of pictures that Mum compiled for me.

Dad is remembered, admired and loved by his children, grandchildren and his great grandson who had the privilege of his company for over four precious years. Dad would have been so proud of all his descendants – as we are proud of all he achieved rising from poverty and a difficult and complicated childhood to create a secure and loving family.

Dunstan houses in the East End of London where Dad and his parents lived throughout his childhood.
Dad middle front row
Middle back row
Dad meets Mum
At a boxing dinner with the men – men only!
At the Cannes Film Festival
Forever dancing
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Old times and old timers!

A meet up in North London with two childhood friends, my brother and G’s American husband. Actually we were connected because our parents had all been great pals when we were growing up. We hadn’t all seen each other for many years.

We reminisced, we laughed, we swopped stories and exchanged news about children and grandchildren. To be quite honest our parents were far more glamorous than any of us will ever be and they sure knew how to have fun. Good for them.

Mum in the left at the front and dad at the back with a moustache (luckily he didn’t keep it for long).