Had no idea of this very sad news till the early evening 12th October 2023,as I met with Mr Guy Bennett unexpectedly,and had attended Whitegate Primary School,with his eldest daughter,and son. And always speak about my memories of my wonderful childhood,upto 16,living only half a mile from"Freddy" Spanns Garage. I recall Eileen, Simon's Aunt,I believe,Fred & pretty much when Simon moved to Marton,and he was a very polite,approachable and kind teenage male. The Spann Family were never forgotten by me as I grew older,and moved to other parts of Cheshire,then London.But haven't been involved in Marton & Whitegate life,for several reasons,so whenever I hear of people passing,especially not at ages,nowadays,considered that old from this wonderful place,the sadness is even more.And of course no day is ever a good day when someone leaves,this World,& the Family & Friends behind,to hear,and see the date,time & long battle with illness of Simon,passing makes it so much more profound. To all his Family,and close Friends,my belated thoughts of Respect,Loss & Hope for you to all accept,and move on in your own lives,is genuinely sent. I happened to be at St Mary's Church,Whitegate, earlier this Summer,and had a walk around the graveyard,and noticed that Ted Wood had passed,and recall when only about 10,the Polish Mechanic,John,who also worked at Spanns Garage.And in closing Thankyou so much,the site is still open,so that anyone like myself,who has only just heard this news can leave a tribute. Plus the wonderful photographs,& video I am going to now watch. Out of sight,was never out of mind,and whenever I pass the Garage on Dalefords Lane,that isn't often,it will be with a heavy heart,but knowing the Garage,and Staff left,will honour the reputation,and service that the Garage has provided for so many decades,& many more to come,I hope.
Henry Gavine
Henry Gavine
13/10/2023
