Giles Darvill, who Jackie and I first knew more than fifty years ago, is my oldest still living friend. Having once worked in Kingston Social Services together we have now been near neighbours in two villages on the verge of Hampshire’s New Forest for more than a decade.
This morning I visited him at his home in Milford on Sea where we enjoyed congenial reminiscences.
In particular we derived much enjoyment from recounting memories of the time featured in the above earlier post. Incidentally I was later to work in Westminster Social Services with my late friend Maggie Kindred (then Cook) who lived in one of the Dolphin Square flats pictured in that episode of the story of my era.
One of our pastimes during this period was playing chess on a glass table marked out as a board. This was my camera’s view of my opponent on the opposite side.
Ten years later we were to visit Covent Garden Market with Giles and his son Ben; Becky and Matthew, Sam and Louisa
I have a number of stained glass artefacts made for me over the years by my friend, including the chessboard which was a 50th Birthday Present.
In May 1983 Jessica, Sam, Louisa, Matthew, Becky and I visited Giles and his family at their home in the village of Penn Street near Amersham. The children experienced great glee in a cherry blossom
snow storm manufactured by Matthew who had stealthily sneaked up into the tree and given it a good shaking. Giles still has a framed copy of one of these images.
It was a little less than two years ago that we took
our last walk together, as detailed in this post.
This evening we dined on well cooked baked Gammon; creamy cauliflower and broccoli cheese; crunchy carrots; and soft spinach, with which I drank more of the Appassimento.
I love those pictures of the children in the “snow storm”.
Thank you very much, GP
The photo of your friend and the chess board is amazing! Great photos, Derrick. ????
Thank you very much, John
You are welcome as always. 😊
I love the gleeful cherry blossom series!
Thank you very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
It’s wonderful you could get together with your friend, Derrick. The header photo is stunning, and the cherry blossom series is so full of childhood wonder.
Thank you so much, Merril
The story of a great friendship.
Thank you very much, Bridget
Another great day.
Thank you very much, Andy
You’re welcome.
Such wonderful memories.
Thank you very much, Rupali
I remember all of this! I even remember the lunch we had in Amersham that day – a great roast dinner.
Thank you very much, Becky. Another memory I’d forgotten 🙂
What a great friend and friendship! What fabulous memories! So glad you got to spend time together today!
The photo of Giles and the chessboard is so cool and special!
Also, the kids enjoying the “snow” falling! Aw! Sweet photos!
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️
Thank you so much, Carolyn XX
Precious memories and great photos. It’s truly wonderful to have an old friend around.
Thank you very much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.
An thoroughly wonderful article Derrick and your chessboard photos are very interesting
Thank you very much, Ivor
The chessboard is exquisite however the little children dancing in the pink raindrops is absolutely wonderful
Thank you so much, John
Derrick, I read (I think re-read) the two linked posts, but I don’t see a comment or a like. No matter, I enjoyed reading them again. I love the story of the woman gathering soil in her handbag.
It’s good to know that you and Giles remain friends after so many years, and your proximity allows for gatherings. I’m sure it did your heart good.
Thank you so much, Alys
I love stories like this, about friends that stick together. Plus wonderful photos, such a great post. Especially the reflective pics!
Thank you so much, Rose
How wonderful that you and your oldest friend could get together!
Thanks very much, Rosaliene
Old friends are great. Loved the pictures.
Thank you very much, Pat
I remember those posts and enjoyed revisiting them with you. Friendship seems to become more valuable with age.
Indeed, JoAnna. Thank you very much
Those are beautiful memories with your friend and family, Derrick. I especially love that stained glass chessboard and cherry tree blossom snowstorm
Thank you very much, Lavinia
Beautiful photos and wonderful memories ☺️
What an uplifting post, Derrick!
Thank you so much, Anne
What a wonderful testament to true friendship, Derrick <3
Thanks very much, Sandra
What lovely tales of friendship Derrick.❤️
Thank you very much, Arlene
Love the Cherry blossom rain.
Thank you very much, Sherry
This is a great post. No one understands us like an old friend. It is great you can still connect and enjoy each other’s company.
There is something about sharing time with a friend who has known you all those years. It was fun remembering the woman who created a garden of her own. I enjoyed very much the cherry blossom photos, but moreso the reflection in the chess glass.
Thank you so much, Crystal
A wonderful story of a lasting friendship, Derrick. The photo of the children playing in the cherry blossoms is delightful.
Thank you so much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
I remember that post about your last walk together. I am glad that this was a calmer occasion.
Thank you so much, Tootlepedal
I love the images of the children under the tree, just priceless. I remember very well the post about your walk together and the struggle you had that day.
Thank you very much, Sue
Hi Derrick, thank you for sharing these delightful photographs. Your chessboard is stunning.
Much appreciated, Robbie
What beautiful memories, Derrick. I love the cherry blossom shower. How clever of your friend to climb the tree and create such joy for the children below!
Thank you very much, Jan. Our son, Matthew was the clever one.
Delightful memories
Thank you very much, Sheree