Marguerite was to me, Aunty Joan or ‘our Joany’ as Dad called her. We travelled a lot, Dad had a thirst for adventure and having joined the RAF we spent our childhood mostly abroad in various countries, I never really felt like I belonged anywhere, no real roots but there was this one place.
As kids we would sit in the back of a car for what felt like days (probably was) and nearing our destination, no matter what the time or weather, we would see a group huddled together in the street, arms waving and loud cheering, arriving to the best of welcomes anyone could imagine. At the time it was so lovely to feel special and wanted but now, I wonder, how did Joany know what time we were arriving and how long had they all been stood there?
Aunty Joan would wrap us up in her arms and squeeze the air out of our lungs; never had I felt such affection. I was quite in awe of her; she just seemed to exude love, her beautiful red curly hair, the twinkle in her eyes, that mischievous grin and the biggest bosoms I had ever seen.
Our visits were always memorable, sleeping four in a bunk, top to toe, fun as toddlers but not so as we got older with Big John’s feet in your face! Ransacking the toy cupboard, which would avalanche as soon as you opened the door, Joany scolding us for making a mess and laughing as she did. Her meals were like feasts and the best cooked breakfasts you ever did taste. As for upcycling, I reckon Joany invented it, she always had something crafty on the go but it was the gardening she excelled, quirky planting, making tiny spaces feel like a tropical jungle.
Lots of laughter, fun and happiness which continued into our adult infamous Hull trips, they didn’t happen often but were always memorable albeit a bit blurry!
A tribute to my Aunty Joan, a very special lady to me, clever, kind, loving and caring, thank you for all you did for my Dad and for making me feel a sense of belonging. XOX
Belinda Darnell:
29/07/2020
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Candle 10
Left by Belinda Darnell:
29/07/2020
Candle 11
Left by Lewis :
28/07/2020