We said our goodbyes...

We said our 'goodbyes' to Debby on Thursday, and I seem to be writing quite depressing blogs recently, so I avoided writing this one until today, though I did write the following on my facebook page on the day: 

"What a weird day... Attended the funeral of a friend I care about... who died way too young... Loved celebrating her life with others who cared about her too, but I know I'll never speak to her again, sad." 😢 

The service delivered by Jonathan Mendenhall was spot on (excellent Jonathan!), with 170-180 people present at the crematorium, the family present were wonderful to talk to, notably her mother and sister, as were the many friends, and many ex-colleagues who turned up too. There were tears and cuddles galore, and not a little laughter too. As someone else has said, Debby would have been proud, as we all were, proud to have known her, proud to be there and to have made our own personal goodbyes. 

Wonderful organisation all round, an excellent wake delivered with free buffet by the Dolphin Inn, including fish donated by the Fish Market, thank you to all.

Glad to have known you Debby, just wish it had been for much longer...

Debby Green R.I.P.  (19/04/1969-29/05/2019)  😢

Moving the 'Ghost of Dunkirk'

Jonathan Mendenhall sharing the history of the Cyril and Lilian Bishop, the 'Ghost of Dunkirk', with us before her final journey...

Judy Rogers, Mayor of Hastings, gives her account...

Michael Foster, ex-Member of Parliament and Deputy Lieutenant of East Sussex, and Hastings' resident all his life ("I've never stayed away from Hastings for more than 2 weeks, all my life", though he did attend the University of Leicester, so I'm guessing he included that as living in Hastings...), joins in!

I was surprised that All Saints Street was actually empty of parked vehicles by 10.00, well done folks!

The stewards do a typical steward thing and push people out of the way as if we are children, give someone a high viz jacket and the think they're God!

Despite listing to starboard for a short while, there was little problem with hauling her up through the narrow early part of All Saints Street.

Then, she sat outside the Crown for 20 minutes whilst the bar was overwhelmed!

Coming up to the Cinque Ports Arms

 Sitting outside the Stag Inn

More singing - She's arrived! 

Well done Hastingers, the Cyril and Lilian Bishop docked below All Saints Church.

Red Ensign at half-mast again...

Sadly, the Red Ensign again flies at half-mast at the Fishermen's Museum in Rock-a-Nore Road, following the death of retired Hastings fisherman, and regular at the Dolphin Inn, "Squeaky" - Peter Pepper R.I.P.

The funeral will be held at the Crematorium on Friday November the 4th at 2pm, and Jonathan Mendenhall will be celebrating his life, amongst the grief...

A very sad day...

I have friends in Brussels, I have close family born in Brussels, what a very sad start to the day. So sad, I could not bear going to the Memorial Service for John Hodges at the Stade Hall this afternoon, and many did go, consequently Jonathan Mendenhall's moving eulogy was delivered to a large number of John's friends... 

John Hodges R.I.P. 

For the many deceased in Brussels, R.I.P. 

Thursday 6th, another Carnival Day to enjoy!

Today's plans can be seen at the website, though it does say the Street Party is cancelled, sadly, however, things are happening, in addition to what is advertised on the site...  

It appears that Jonathan M will be accepting wet sponges in the face at Butlers Gap from 5pm, and there are a number of choirs singing at the same site from 5.30pm for a few hours. There is definitely music in the Jenny Lind and the Wellington this evening, and the weekly 'charity' quiz will be held in in the Dolphin Inn from 8.30pm. Probably a lot more spontaneous stuff too, so turn up and enjoy!  

Here are some Pram Race photographs from last night, cheers!      

The road is closed, and teams are starting to arrive...

The 3 leading teams start to arrive at the Dolphin (close to the finish, for those unfamiliar with the race; 18 pubs/bars in all).

The third team arrive, but have had enough, they won't finish third!

People aren't rushing now...

But partying!

Even THE Bronze medallists are here!

And one for on my way home...