LOSING FRIENDS..

It`s not turning out to be a good month.   Three weeks ago, we went to the funeral of a good, close friend who lived just up the road and who was the same age as me.   He had been through too much suffering with serious illness and although he seemed to be on the road to recovery, the stresses and strains of the months of treatment and medication became too much for him to overcome.   He is sadly missed.

And today, another untimely passing of someone I had known since his school days.   He spent most of his adult life in the service of the local community, unfailingly guiding the affairs of the local council with his sharp mind, his determination and his willingness to help so many people.   Like our other friend, he also suffered the restrictions and inconveniences of long term illness but his community spirit never faltered and it was fitting that he was awarded the OBE in recognition of his lifetime of service to our community.

Given his local standing, the tributes to him will be many and they will be heartfelt, genuine and sincere.   He too will be sadly missed.