Jackie spent the morning planting the pansies and spring bulbs in place of the ficus.
The bamboo in the Oval Bed tends to send tentacles under the rock border and into the gravel path. At the first sign of a sucker piercing the shingle, excavation has to be carried out. This was my task.
This afternoon, Jackie drove us to Walkford for Daphne and Ray Salinger’s Platinum Anniversary party. Apart from one picture, I recorded the event in Black and White, which seemed appropriate.
Here, Ray examines the album Ron had made up largely from the prints I had produced.
He then posed with his wife.
Over lunch They both looked again at the historic photos, the album here held by Donna.
The best way of approaching the splendidly plentiful buffet was to heap your plate with those selections you could fit onto it, then return for seconds of the other dishes.
The day was warm and sunny enough for many guests, entertained by Ben, a professional guitarist, to sit outside.
The couple’s great niece, her husband, her father-in-law and a great great niece enjoyed the sunshine,
whilst Helen enjoyed great granddaughter Imogen.
Ron made a speech in honour of his parents,
and Ray gave a witty reply.
He and Daphne then cut the cake made by Shelly,
who helped her mother-in-law slice it.
Finally, all assembled for group photographs.
And the one colour picture?
Here it is.
This evening I watched the second half of the South Africa v. Japan World Cup rugby match, and the whole of France v. Italy. In deference to anyone yet to watch a recorded version, I will not give the results, but I will say that the last five minutes of the first of these games was as thrilling as any finish I have seen.
The pictures work perfectly in black and white. I have bamboo in my garden as well and am always snapping off shoots after the rain. Needless to say I never water my clump. 🙂
Many thanks, Mary. That was a bit of a risk since everyone wants colour these days, but the idea went down quite well.
Bamboo! I love bamboo and want some to grow to hide the ugly tin fence between me and my neighbour – do you think I can find any? And there you are, half a world away, pulling out the suckers!! DJ will be happy not to have to avert her eyes from your posts re the rugby 🙂 Though I think she has just arranged to start watching it live – or slightly delayed – or something. I’ll be knitting!
Many thanks, Pauline, for these entertaining comments.
Being able to celebrate 70 years takes a lot more than just staying alive! Wonderful photos of a wonderful occasion.
Thank you, Bruce. They were amazing the way they circulated
Bruce nails it, not for the first time.
Thank you, Alex. True
The black and white worked a treat. Looks like a splendid day all round.
Many thanks, Momus
It looks like a splendid function but also I’m glad you caught some of THAT game. Incredible.
Thanks, Geoff. What a stunner
Oh, running bamboo is such a beast to remove. It will certainly keep you fit each summer! The b&w photos are really nice, and it’s so quaint to see the queen’s message. I bet they were thrilled.
Thanks, Matt. I think they were.
There’s nothing better than great food to help celebrate life’s momentous occasions… unless it’s great company. Beautiful photos, Sir Derrick. 🙂
Many thanks, Johnna
Beautiful photos. I have a weakness for black and white. there’s a luminosity you can get with it that I’ve rarely achieve with color. nice work!
Many thanks, Lisa
You have such a good eye to capture those very moments to remember. Very beautiful fotos, black and white make these photos more special. Thank you for sharing this with us. Adrián
Thank you, Adrian
70 years what a way to go – wonderful celebration w/a lovely note from the Queen.
Thank you, Mary
Congratulations to Daphne and Ray, they certainly know how to put on a good bash and the food looked yum.
I thought you were in Australia when you mentioned the bamboo, but that garden chair gave you away as English.
The black and white photos are great and the color ones of the flowers are also wonderful.
I will be back to read more, thanks for sharing.
What a fine looking couple. They’ve surely seen a lot during their lifetime.
I’m another who really liked the black and white photos. Wasn’t that a cracker shot of the guitarist and his shadow!
Thank you, Yvonne. I’m glad you noticed that one
Goodness gracious – 70 years! Wow! Fantastic and congrats to the couple! What stories they must have to tell – fascinating! B&W photos a perfect choice Derrick and perfectly taken, as always! You certainly know how to capture moments and feelings in pictures – a true artist! Thank you for sharing!…. Oh, and Derrick, food important to you? 🙂 – kidding! Always good to see it, I must say!
Thanks, Rob. Now, lets settle the food thing once and for all. 🙂 On an early post I put it in, and my niece, Danni, commented when I didn’t that she couldn’t sleep without knowing what I’d had for dinner. So I had to keep it up, and it has become like Pepys’s ‘And so to bed’. 🙂
Fantastic! 🙂 The beauty of it is, you have such darn nice food! Good folk, good flowers and good food, put together with style, all make for great posts!… And so to lunch! 🙂
What an outstanding celebration for a couple who accomplished what so many can not!! Great to see the Queen acknowledges it too – fantastic!! It was very nice of you and Ron to put together that album – they and the family will treasure that!
Many thanks, GP
Congratulations to Ray & Daphne.
Great granddaughter Imogen is adorable!
Thank you, Timi
What a wonderful celebration, and a fantastic photo coverage! Love the Queen’s message too, it is very nice.
Thank you, Inese
Wonderful they are celebrating 70 anniversary together. Beautiful photos in B&W, Derrick.
Thank you, Amy
Family. The grout of life, holding things together, a hardy teather. Without you are but kite.
A poetic comment. Thanks, Candice.
♡♡ people like you make this world nicer to be in Derrick♡
Many thanks, Candice. I think that is why we are here.
You succeed♡
Thank you, Candice
Wow, what a dear post about a happily married couple.
Congratulations to Daphne and Ralph!!♡♡
I liked the color photo but loved the black and white ones best. 🙂
Thank you, Robin
Derrick, so sorry. I read this post again since Ray passed away recently.
I meant to say Ray and Daphne. I see my comment was either taken over by the cellphone or I didn’t read your lovely black and white new photos- filled post very well. . .
I am so glad this was celebrated in a special way! ❤❤
Very many thanks, Robin