At the beginning of 1986 snow lay on the ground for the first three months. This was the last year I remember a decent amount of snow in London. Matthew took his little brother and sister for a sledge ride on allegedly thin ice beside the Waterfowl Sanctuary on Tooting Common.
During that prolonged winter, Sam’s and Louisa’s expressions show quite clearly how cold it was when Matthew, dubbed by Louisa ‘the best big brother ever’, took them out for a buggy ride from Gracedale Road.
It was clearly much more cosy when he read them a story.
It would have been that summer that Jessica, Sam, and I spent a week in Mary Dewsberry’s holiday home in Haslemere. Last year’s bracken and autumn leaves lingered in the country terrain.
This may have been the occasion when we discovered that the two children both had allergies to horses, the touch of which caused their eyes to swell up alarmingly.
Under the cloak of a little coppice, Louisa made a diving effort to reenter her mother’s womb. Sam insisted that there was room for two.
Mary’s son, Nick, and his children Jack and Dora, welcomed Sam and Louisa into their boat maintenance crew. Louisa made a quick recovery after her early tip-up, and everyone set to with gusto.
Wonderful pictures. Mathew does look like the best big brother ever. 🙂
My sentiments exactly!
Thanks, Liz. 😉
You’re welcome. 🙂
Thank you very much, Pat
They are so cute! Beware the ice, check it first!
Of course. Thanks a lot, John
Beautiful memories in photographic form. I’m certain Louisa was right about Matthew.
Thank very much, Merril
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Unguarded moments caught on film. Years later these mean ever so much more than they might have at the time. It is a privilege to be privy to these reminiscences of yours Derrick.
Thank you so very much, Anne
Lovely memories for you, and such a pleasure for us to share.
Thank you very much, Sue
What beautiful memories, Derrick! I am glad you have these photos.
Thank you very much, Lavinia.
He is a wonderful older brother. Wonderful memories for sure.
Thank you very much, Mrs W
Your welcome.
Precious memories.
Thanks very much, Rupali
Definitely a good big brother. Sweet pics
Thank you so much, VJ
Such beautiful photos – particularly your header, which seems to almost be alive, or at least 3-D!
Photos of everyday life, not posed, are such treasures.
Thank you so much, Emma
And does Louisa still think he is the best big bruvver ever?
Oh Yes. Her comment on the FB page confirms that. Thanks very much, Gwen
Great memories. Snow in London, now that’s hard to believe.
It is now, Bridget. Thank you very much
What a heartwarming post! In addition to Matthew’s goodness, I love the photo where Louisa and Sam tried to get back into their mother’s womb.
Thank you so much, JoAnna. I was lucky to get that one. Louisa has an A3 print on her wall at home
Isn’t that hilarious?
Those are such sweet memories. Photos are the only possible tools that can be said to be a time machine.
They are indeed, Uma. I’m so pleased I have it
Those children must a great collection of memories from their earlier years. 💞
They do, AnneMarie. Thank you very much
A big brother extraordinaire! Lovely pictures of the family. In the pictures, Matthew certainly resembles you.
These are great pictures to look back on, Derrick!
Thank you very much, Barbara
It’s always good to have big brothers! 🌸 Beautiful memories and great photos!
Thank you so much, Ribana
Wonderful photos and memories, Derrick. Hugs to you. xo
Thank you very much, Jodie
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