Bob's Big 8-0 Family Celebration
It's the middle of the year, and in the middle of a heatwave; but of course, that would not put Bob's family off dreaming up a big celebration for his significant 80th birthday.
It was all kept as a surprise for the day but, being a sleuth, I was able to work out what was planned for this special treat. As it was going to be hot (although, thankfully for the rest of Bob's family, the chosen day turned out to be less torrid than we expected!) I needed to have this information so that I could guide Bob about what to wear on the day. As an old East Africa, Dar-es-Salaam, hand, I know how to keep cool.
Stripping off a lot of clothes, going around in shorts and tee-shirt, is not the best thing to do. I advised Bob to wear long trousers in a light colour, and a shirt with long sleeves, that was nice and roomy - all of it in cotton, if possible! and to take a big-brimmed hat. I am not daft in these matters.
Before this great culmination of celebrations for Bob's birthday, he had already enjoyed a gentle day on his actual birthday - opening cards and presents, and taking happy phone calls from Wendy and Al and Dani, and other family and dear friends from Germany and further overseas. Two days later, Wendy came over to see us and she and Bob went out for dinner at the Beefeater Restaurant at the Liberty Bell; I stayed home to look after Apollo.
Two more days later, on Saturday, 20th June, Bob's son collected us and drove us to the Kent and East Sussex Railway - a delightful steam railway line that runs from Tenterden to Bodiam, over 10 1/2 miles of standard gauge track. We have been there before, many years ago, and there is a photo of me curled up on the grass in front of Bodiam Castle. It was brilliant to be back!
There is a separate on-going railway preservation effort by the Rother Valley Railway, that is restoring track at the western end of the line, between Robertsbridge Junction and Bodiam; we wish them well with all their endeavours.
Bob and I both climbed up on to the footplate of Swiftsure, our loco for the day; alas, there was no-one around to take a photo of me smiling delightedly to be up alongside the fireman, but I did manage to get a picture of Bob as a memento of his special day.
We spent a wonderful afternoon, chuffing through the countryside; cream teas and ploughman's lunches had been booked, so everyone had something they liked to eat.
At the end of our outing, we met the manager of the souvenir shop, and he was very pleased to include a selection of Bob's books for sale to visitors; an unexpected bonus! We shall see how they go, and we will always be happy to go back to the K&ESR to do a signing.
After chuffing up and down the line, we then repaired to a local pub, for Bob to enjoy a little more time with his family, and open another delightful present - a GWR lamp, specially mounted for display. What a brilliant idea!
Bob so appreciated all the time and effort that had gone in to making this day a memorable occasion for him.
Bob's son then drove us home; I took some skyscape photographs, which seemed to reflect Bob's brilliant day.
The photographs show:
Bob and me in the "Swan" pose (well, swans do mate for life!)
The wreck
Bob on the footplate of Swiftsure
Swiftsure
A beautiful Essex evening skycape
