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Today is the hundredth anniversary of my father’s birth. Born on Michaelmas Day 1917 he died on Christmas Day 1987, so did not live to see this one.
This afternoon Jackie drove herself and me to Elizabeth’s where we decanted into my sister’s car and she drove us to Catherington Cemetery where our father is buried.
The resting place is on high ground and surrounded by fields over which gulls flew
and in which horses grazed on this day.
We gathered at Dad’s grave and paid our respects.
Elizabeth fetched a watering can
from which she filled the vase.
With Jackie’s assistance she then arranged the flowers she had brought with her,
finally photographing the result,
which lies in the bottom right of this picture.
Behind the hedge beyond the upper level of this modern graveyard stands the Church of All Saints with the much older stones of this parish dating from the twelfth century. We did visit the church and its surroundings, but, because of the lateness of the hour, I must leave reporting on that until tomorrow.
We took a leisurely drive back to Wickham where we dined at the excellent Indian restaurant, the Veranda. My choice of meal was tender and spicy Lamb Lal Maas, with my share of special fried rice, plain paratha and a vegetable dish containing cashew nuts, the name of which I cannot remember. Elizabeth and I drank Kingfisher while Jackie drank Diet Coke.
Elizabeth then drove us back to her home whence Jackie drove us home in her Modus. As we travelled over the moors from Beaulieu we experienced the benefits of a reflective collar around the neck of a dusky pony crossing in front of us. It is good to see that some of them retain their luminosity.
Amazing to be in a position to reflect on the centenary Derrick. I’ve never thought about it in the context of a direct family member before.
Thanks a lot, Frank
Very nice post!
Thank you very much, Lynn.
What a sad, lovely day. How we miss those who have passed. My own father died when he was 54, and I often think him.
Thanks a lot, Laurie. They never leave our hearts and minds.
Never. It makes me a little teary eyed just thinking about loved ones who have passed.
What a wonderful tribute. Seeing the headstone reminded me there are Knights in my family tree – quite distant through marriage. Came from Allington and Bridport in Dorset in the 1800s.
We live so close to the Dorset border (My sister just up the road does live in Dorset), and we were considering Bridport as a possible place to buy a house, before we settled on this one. Small world.
I suspected as much. There may well be a connection several generations back.
There are a lot of us about, but you never know about connections. Thanks a lot, Gwen
That was a lovely way to remember your dad Derrick – a hundred years seems a long time in some ways and in other ways it seems like it might also go by in a flash……. The flowers look lovely. I was also pleased to note you did not hit a pony on the way home!
Many thanks, Pauline. As they say, time does fly. 30 years since Dad died, and Mum still here. Those collars look so grubby we had never thought they could work.
A day of reflection and memory. I’m glad you got to spend it with Jackie and Elizabeth.
(I meant reflection, as in thinking about, not the pony’s collar, but that, too.). 🙂
🙂 Many thanks, Merril
What a beautiful tribute to the memory of your father, Derrick. We should all be so lucky to have such a peaceful and lovely area to be laid to rest.
It is quite idyllic, Jill. Many thanks
Lovely!
Thanks very much, Bruce
Your father rests in a beautiful spot his centenary marked in a touching and appropriate way by you all.
Many thanks, Osyth.
That’s a lovely location for the cemetery and a lovely array of flowers.
Thanks, John. Still tranquil
I’m sure that he was pleased to see you and moved by the loving tribute.
Many thanks, Mary
Shadows of the headstones lend a heavenly aura to the resting land. The hues of tranquility have lent themselves well to the images. Peace be upon our forefathers! Peace be upon us!
Thanks very much, Uma. You’ve picked up the atmosphere nicely
A lovely countryside for him to lay and rest. A wonderful tribute for the man who helped to give us you.
Many thanks, GP. What a wonderful comment.
a beautiful touching post Derrick. Hugs and love <3
Many thanks, Kim
A meaningful full day and a wonderful record of it! Peace and tranquility indeed! Thank you for sharing
Gives us all pause for thought and reflection.
Many thanks, Rob
This is a beautiful tribute post to your grandfather. He has a paronamic restful place.💐
Thanks Elizabet. My Dad, actually 🙂
Sorry Derrick😔
🙂
Such a peaceful place for a final resting place. My husband’s father was born in 1916 and died in 1988. A short life by today’s standards; we often think the rigours of his war service had something to do with his early death.
Many thanks, Clare, So similar to my father.
Yes, I thought so.
Always good to remember those who have passed on. The cemetery is in such a peaceful environment. Love the view.
Many thanks, Sylvia
Your posts are beautiful, but this one is even more beautiful.
Very many thanks, Byung.
A beautiful tribute to your father, Derrick, and such a peaceful cemetery. My father would be 108 this year, my mother 106. He died a few months before his 71st birthday. My parents were on the much older side when I was born.
So you didn’t have your parents as long as I have. I’ve been lucky. Many thanks, Lavinia