Sunday, September 06, 2009

Joy

I missed her big day when she was given the honour of opening a new flower bed at our much loved railway station which runs steam trains - almost to Taunton - and which has always been a firm favourite with grandchildren. The flower bed was to mark the anniversary of the Minehead Evening Townswomen’s Guild 35th year and 80 years of the Guild itself.


Joy – as some of you know has just celebrated her 80th (which reminds me I haven’t told; you about our outing – but I will anon) recently, and is a past chairman of the Somerset Federation of TWG.


The late Lorna Howard – a long time member of the TWG left a legacy to finance the planting. There is Joy – on her knees – she told me the photographer insisted and being Joy – in spite of a gammy knee - she complied. Oh there’s Margaret far left and the man I think is Lorna’s husband. The photo is by Steve Guscott

18 comments:

Barlinnie said...

It's great to see that the legacy of others can bring joy to the people who remember their friends.

It's no such a bad world sometimes after all is said and done.

Pat said...

Jimmy: on the whole, by and large, taking everything into consideration I think you're right:)

Madame DeFarge said...

Looks like a lovely time, even with the knee bending (couldn't they have put the ribbon slightly higher?).

Pat said...

MadameD: this probably got the better shot with the train and the guild and the flowers. It looks like they found some sort of cushion.
Photographers are notoriously hard- hearted. Unless it's Kim:)

Leah said...

I love a steam train. Simply magic. The picture is very sweet--all the bright colors of the ladies, and the flowers too--

Pat said...

Leah: the flowers are very apt because Joy and Margaret are gifted gardeners. And lovely with it;)
If ever you come to Minehead you must come on the train and you can relive 'Brief Encounter.'

Gia Fernandes said...

Hello Pat!

What a treasure trove your blog is. I am so thrilled to find such a hidden little beauty in cyberspace. I'm so glad you got to my blog via GG (I love that girl!)and I got to yours.

I must spend time reading your archives... I've just skimmed through today and I am enthralled. The timeless, classic beauty. The sepia tinted memories and pictures. The coming to life of a bygone era that is so richly filled with wisdom and beauty.

I am a huge fan of the past. Always watching classic films and listening to great old music. I always say that I was born too late.

Let me stop before you nod off. Sorry about rambling so much but I just love your space here.

Pat said...

Cloud cutter: welcome - its so nice to have new cyber friends and you are my second nice surprise today. Come back any time:)

Charlie said...

With all the talent available, those gardens have to be beautiful.

And an old steam train—what a sight to see and ride upon!

Anonymous said...

Joy doesn't look a day over 60!- and what a lovely flower bed. I know that steam train well, a great hit with the boys when they were young :)

Eryl said...

Joy looks amazing, how do you ladies down there do it, is it the sea air or some secret concoction you all douse yourselves in every full moon?

Pat said...

Charlie: It's also quite a gentle climate compared to the north where I grew up. It's a top coat colder up there. Flowers thrive here and weeds.

Cinnamon: all those fat controller books!
I'll tell Joy - she'll be delighted.

Eryl: as Jackie says - when I ask how is it some people are really old - they give up. Health is pretty vital but the other three have dealt with cancer and - DV - beaten it. Then of course we
live in beautiful surroundings.

AndrewM said...

That ain't no steam train.

Pat said...

Andrewm: are you sure? What is that in the left hand corner. I suppose you should know.

neena maiya (guyana gyal) said...

Ah, I see you and Cloud found each other. She's a wonderful writer, she is, she is.

Say hello to Joy and tell her for me please that I wish her many, many more joyful activities.

You're going to think I'm copying you, I've been writing a post [in my head] about joy! I have two classes to teach then...

Pat said...

GG: I'm glad you told me about Cloud. I'll pass on your and other messages to Joy - she'll be pleased.
Friends are allowed to borrow from each other. I know you didn't but I would regard it as a compliment

Anonymous said...

Marvelous. I'm sure you missed sharing it with her.

BTW, "Labor Day" is essentially our version of "May Day" honoring workers.

Cheers.

Pat said...

Randall: yes it clashed with the family coming but we had our outing and we have another on Friday DV.
Thanks for the info.