So unexpected.

 15th May

 Today we would have been on the ferry to France and although my suspected melanoma turned out to be benign, (phew) Ian is still under investigation. All of his tests have come back favourably, but still the NHS won't let him go. So for now we will remain at Langley Mill. In a way I'm glad because a week ago our chairman Norman (ECP&DA) and very good friend of ours passed away. It was all very sudden, he started to feel unwell last Wednesday morning, an ambulance was called, and he was taken to Queens Med, Nottingham. Unfortunately, whilst there, he had a massive heart attack and although the medical team worked on him for an hour, they were unable to restart his heart.  To say we were in shock was an understatement, and it has knocked his wife Shirley for six. So for us, to still be here, has meant we could support Shirley during this awful time. We have decided, even if Ian is signed off from the NHS, to stay until after the funeral. As yet, that is still to be arranged. I keep expecting him to come and say hello and talk society matters and football with Jim and Jenn. He supported Crystal Palace and hoped his team would win against Manchester City in the cup final on Saturday Now he will never know.  He will be truly missed. RIP Norman

This photo was taken at Shardlow Inland Port festival last September. 

Shirley, Richard Parry and Norman