Hilary
My first ever best friend. Two Exwick girls, we met when you were five and I was seven....with big imaginations. The shadow of our school, fell on the grass of the pleasure ground, it became our castle. we galloped our imaginary horses around it, saving children from the witches dungeons. Sometimes we climbed over the ‘Dump’ wall ...waste ground at the back of the swings. Now we are cowgirls, trotting our horses over dock leaf plantation, well.. it was very flat. Then we climbed down inside hollow hedge.. a great hideout. A visit to the ‘posse’s camp site, which always seemed to have the tell tale signs of a recent fire...adding to our story ....about bandits. We rode our bikes past the Old Mill, to the top of Weircliff Hill. On foot we would go....’Ranting’ your Mum’s word, through the woods. We found a tortoise miles from any home? I was a bit scared of it you laughed and secured it inside your waistband. The poor thing fell and rolled, as we climbed down to a stream, worried we rushed to check...it was happily enjoying a drink! It lived for years in your garden. We often swam in the river, when it was hot, conveniently forgetting we were not supposed to do,this! We picked primroses, and blackberries scrumped apples. It was always summer, with you....those days of bicycles, sandals and jam sandwiches...and all the adventures mostly in our heads. Dear Hilary so easy to be with, I loved your warm voice and that ever ready giggle. Such wonderful memories. Thank you, thank you. With love from your first ever best friend...Suzanne xx