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Just been sent these lovely photos

From the family in Bedford who gifted us the Banties three years ago (the surrogate mothers of two sets of goslings) and just a few weeks ago gave us three chicks and two quails. They called by today on the off chance that we would let them come in and see all the birds. They loved all the new quails too and were amazed at how big their chooks had become.

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Tomorrow is the yahrzeit of my late father

The fifth anniversary of his passing. Tonight I will light a 24 hour candle which will remind me this evening and tomorrow of dad.

He was 86 when he died and mum and he had just, three weeks earlier, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary with a party at The Gables for friends and family. In spite of a difficult childhood, living in the slums of the East End of London with a mother and father who were not the best of friends, dad became a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and a provider for his family and his parents.

He was always a cool dresser and enjoyed going out and about with his friends, with mum, playing bridge and many sports, cinema, theatre, nightclubs. He and mum balanced work with play and made the most of every day.

Above all he loved his wife and children

and later his grandchildren and his great grandchildren.

(Above with my children and below with his great granddaughter)

We argued, he and I, from as soon as I could voice my opinions but it was because we were, in many ways, very similar. I always knew that he loved me and my brother and our families and would do anything for us. He was generous and soft hearted and charitable and he and my mother had 65 amazing, fun filled, happy and hard working years together. He is part of us in every way and we look back with great affection at life with dad. May his memory be for a blessing.