You spent many years researching our family history. It was an exciting moment when we unexpectedly came across a stone memorial to Wing Commander Stanley J Smetham at Watts Chapel near Guildford, who died in WW2. Sadly he wasn't part of our direct line, but nevertheless, an amazing coincidence during our visit.

We always miss your regular summer visit and the annual trip to Lewes for steak and ale pie at the Lewes Arms. Usually tried to get the same table - as Fawlty would say "Your usual table by the window Lord Melbury!"

It's hard to believe that you have been gone from us for 4 years - the memories remain undimmed. One of your favourite places to visit was York, and you introduced us to the Bar Convent in 2014. After a coffee in the 'old' cafe, here you are in the spectacular Chapel.

28 November 2021
Remembering this would have been your 80th birthday Bern, but sadly not to be. Mowing the lawn was your 'job' along with chopping firewood during the winter months. In August 1961 you were studying for your Banker's Exams, and each evening would find you in your small bedroom propped against the window sill with your books. You could only look up the street one way, so had a mirror to look back down the road to see anything that was going on. Bobby Darin had released 'Things' and whilst you weren't really in to pop music you enjoyed me singing it to you as I walked past your door occasionally: "Every night I sit here by my window, starin' at the lonely avenue". As Dickens said, 'What larks, Pip old chap'. It all seems so long ago, but yet so fresh in the memory. Never will forget. Trev.

You visited so many Youth Hostels over the years, but Tyn y Cornel in mid-Wales was one of your earliest from the 1960s and remained your favourite. Set in a stunning isolated location in the heart of grand scenery, a place of serenity and beauty.