LOVE YOU MUM, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, THINKING OF YOU Xx 25th FEBRUARY

Always missing you promise not a day goes by now when I don't think of you. Love you loads, you brought us into this world and then had to leave us so early I have some comfort that you are reunited with Dad and hope that one day soon I will be with you both again. 

Wishing you a Happy Birthday Mum. Xxx

It saddens me that I don't have many more pictures of you to enjoy, but at least I have some lovely ones from your wedding day to Dad hung on the wall at home which helps me when I am feeling low. I know you didn't like having your photo taken anyway, much like myself, just wished I had a few more x. 

MUM AND DAD WEDDING 1961

Love you so much, always in my heart, so sad that you had to leave us so early, you would have been a great Grandma to Graham's boys and so proud of Sue now enjoying life in Australia with James and Hannah. I will be visiting the Hanworth Crematorium Rose Gardens on the weekend. Xxx

MISSING YOU ALWAYS DAD - 7th FEB [1934 - 2012] LOVE YOU FOREVER 💔Xxx

Always thinking of you Dad, Happy Birthday, missing you always, you were and always will be my biggest hero and inspiration

    Love and miss you Dad Xx




My wonderful Dad should have been celebrating his 88th birthday today, I miss him so much every day. Our families lives were changed forever in a way I couldn't imagine when you were taken from us, I so wish you were here now to advise me, admonish me, and keep us safe.

I'll never forget what you did for me, Dad you should be happy and so proud knowing that Graham and Susan turned out so well and have each brought up an amazing family, Sue especially as she enjoys her life in Australia with James and Hannah, who herself is now a mum to Addison and has a son on the way too you would have been a wonderful Great Grandad. I still have some regret not having the mental strength to follow their example and to also have made you proud. I will raise a glass to your memory, and have never stopped missing you, loving you and wishing you were here now.  

Also wish I had more pictures of you but what I have I make do with including lovely ones of you and Mum on your wedding day. X 

Love you loads, missing you, though I will always continue to wish you were both here to celebrate your birthday with us all xXx

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME -- 52 YEARS YOUNG

30th April 1969 - 2021
Another year passes and what a weird / stressful twelve months it's been. No plans being made this year it's going to be another very quiet one at home. Having made my peace with that situation, I will still be taking a few days off leave, and seeing if I can take a ride down to the coast for a change of scene. Been working at home for the best part of the last year or more and I really need to get outside. Planning to spend some time getting some of my models out for a test and run. In particular need to get Dads O Gauge items out as not been able to get to any open days recently and of course they too are all cancelled for the time being. 

Would have usually had a day to Ascot horse racing with my older brother, and maybe a few friends but that is being held behind closed doors which I guess is at least an improvement from the cancelled meeting that was last year. So now for my birthday I used to plan a nice "present" to myself, alas that seems unlikely this time around, but always on the look out for something to add to my N Gauge model collection. Picked up this GWR Railcar before Christmas (pictured above) still on the look out for a DMU or something to add to the collection. Also have a list of places to go (as I'm sure we all do given the past year) A trip over to the Isle of Wight and also had plans for a trip to Swanage or up the York. All this can go back on hold for a while though. Instead I'll just have a quiet day, open a bottle of something nice later on and raise a glass to everyone, especially our hero's in the Health Services, and other front line staff that are keeping as many people alive as we can.

Happy Birthday Me!!

Support the NHS workers 

(like the lovely Holly here 💖)

Try and have a fun time mate. 

LOVE YOU MUM, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, THINKING OF YOU Xx 25th FEBRUARY

Always missing you promise not a day goes by now when I don't think of you. Love you loads, you brought us into this world and then had to leave us I have some comfort that you are reunited with Dad and hope that one day soon I will be with you both again. 

Wishing you a Happy Birthday Mum. Xxx

It saddens me that I don't have many more pictures of you to enjoy, but at least I have some lovely ones from your wedding day to Dad hung on the wall at home which helps me when I am low. I know you didn't like having your photo taken anyway, much like myself, just wished I had a few more x. 

MUM AND DAD WEDDING 1961

Love you so much, always in my heart, so sad that you had to leave us so early, you would have been a great Grandma to Graham's boys and so proud of Sue now enjoying life in Australia with James and Hannah. I will be visiting the Hanworth Crematorium Rose Gardens on the weekend. Xxx

THINKING OF YOU DAD - 7th FEB [1934 - 2012] LOVE YOU ALWAYS Xxx

Always thinking of you Dad, Happy Birthday, missing you always, you were and always will be my biggest hero and inspiration

    Love and miss you Dad Xx




My wonderful Dad should have been celebrating his 87th birthday today, I miss him so much every day. Our families lives were changed forever in a way I couldn't imagine when you were taken from us, I so wish you were here now to advise me, admonish me, and keep us safe.

I'll never forget what you did for me, Dad you should be happy and so proud knowing that Graham and Susan turned out so well and have each brought up an amazing family, Sue especially as she enjoys her life in Australia with James and Hannah, who herself is now a mum to Addison and you would have become a Great Grandad. I still have some regret not having the mental strength to follow their example and to also have made you proud. I will raise a glass to your memory, and have never stopped missing you, loving you and wishing you were here now.  Also wish I had more pictures of you but what I have I make do with including lovely ones of you and Mum on your wedding day. X 

Love you loads, missing you, but wishing you were both here to celebrate your birthday with us all xXx

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME -- 51 YEARS YOUNG

30th April 1969 - 2020

Another year passes and while I knew my 50th birthday last year would be bigger and more exciting I never expect my 51st birthday to be this different in so many ways. So having made simple plans for a week off, to hopefully go and enjoy some horse racing and visiting friends, sadly this year it'll be a quiet one at home. And I've made peace with that situation, now cancelled the week off that was booked and although now working at home, it means I shall make different plans to spend some time getting some of my models out for a test and run. In particular need to get Dads O Gauge items out as not been able to get to any open days recently and of course they too are all cancelled for the time being.

Aside from the cancelled horse racing to my regular 'local' meeting at Ascot will be missing other friends birthdays and it was their turn for 50th do's so I hope they stay safe and when this is all over perhaps we can do something together to celebrate. For my birthday I used to plan a nice "present" to myself, alas that seems unlikely this time around, but always on the look out for something to add to my N Gauge model collection. Though I was supposed to be away to Isle of Wight and also had plans for a trip to Swanage or up the York. All this can go back on hold for a while though. Instead I'll just have a quiet day, open a bottle of something nice later on and raise a glass to everyone, especially our hero's in the Health Services, and other front line staff that are keeping as many people alive as we can.

Happy Birthday Me!!
Support the NHS workers 

(like the lovely Holly here x)
Try and have a fun time mate. 

THINKING OF YOU ALWAYS MUM RIP Xx 25th FEB

Always missing you promise not a day goes by now when I don't think of you. Love you loads, you brought us into this world and then had to leave us I have some comfort that you are reunited with Dad and hope that one day soon I will be with you both again. 

Wishing you a Happy Birthday Mum. Xxx

It saddens me that I don't have many more pictures of you to enjoy, but at least I have some lovely ones from your wedding day to Dad hung on the wall at home which helps me when I am low. I know you didn't like having your photo taken anyway, much like myself, just wished I had a few more x. 

MUM AND DAD WEDDING 1961

Love you so much, always in my heart, so sad that you had to leave us so early, you would have been a great Grandma to Graham's boys and so proud of Sue now enjoying life in Australia with James and Hannah. I will be visiting the Hanworth Crematorium Rose Gardens on the weekend. Xxx

THINKING OF YOU DAD - 7th FEB [1934 - 2012] LOVE YOU ALWAYS Xxx

        Love and miss you Dad Xx






My wonderful Dad should have been celebrating his 86th birthday today, I miss him so much every day. Our families lives were changed forever in a way I couldn't imagine when you were taken from us, I so wish you were here now to advise me, admonish me, and keep us safe.

I'll never forget what you did for me, Dad you should be happy and so proud knowing that Graham and Susan turned out so well and have each brought up an amazing family, Sue especially as she enjoys her life in Australia with James and Hannah I regret not having the mental strength to follow their example and to also have made you proud. I will raise a glass to your memory, and have never stopped missing you, loving you and wishing you were here now.  Also wish I had more pictures of you but what I have I make do with including lovely ones of you and Mum on your wedding day. X 

Love you loads, missing you, but wishing you were here to celebrate your birthday with us xXx

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME ... OMG I'M FIFTY !! 30th APRIL 1969 - 2019

Happy birthday to me
Happy birthday to me
OMG I'm 50 !
Happy birthday to me

Yes, remarkably I've made it to the half century. 

30th April 1969 - 2019

Am having a week off to enjoy this milestone, while a day out to Ascot races is planned I also aim to look at whatever exhibitions or events taking place. Would have been off to the Mid Hants Railway but they currently have a limited service due to improvements around Alton so that will have to be one for later in the year. Going to Ascot Horseracing which has been an annual event for us on my birthday week, joining my older brother and nephews we might even have a few old friends along for the day too. Be nice to find a few winners, and then drinks and a meal in the evening probably back in Twickenham. 

I have been used to planning a nice "present" to myself on my birthday given the lack of anything coming from anyone else. Alas that seems unlikely this time around as things stand, though as long as I find a way to go out to Ascot on Wednesday that will do for me, anything else will be a nice bonus. Have been picking up a few items of N Gauge and OO Gauge yet only have a small test track to run them on. It would be welcome surprise to pick up something either on eBay or maybe at home of the many exhibitions that are on so perhaps I can see what's available and if a good result at Ascot and make that happen. Yes Managed to pick up a "Western" Class in N Gauge and also some OO Track so I can make a test track at home. Not the same as having a proper layout in the garage as I did at Dads but at least these were a bargain so that's cool. Bring on the racing !! 

A trip to Didcot Railway Centre might also be on the list of activities as we head towards another Bank Holiday weekend. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ME. GO AND HAVE SOME FUN.😘😘

THINKING OF YOU ON YOUR BIRTHDAY MUM Xxx [25/02]

Always missing you promise not a day goes by now when I don't think of you. Love you loads, you brought us into this world and then had to leave us I have some comfort that you are reunited with Dad and hope that one day soon I will be with you both again. Thinking of you as I make a wish for you on your Birthday Mum. Xxx

You are still very special to me, always will be. Love you x

It saddens me that I don't have many more pictures of you to enjoy, but at least I have some lovely ones from your wedding day to Dad hung on the wall at home which helps me when I am low. I know you didn't like having your photo taken anyway, much like myself, just wished I had a few more x. 

MUM AND DAD WEDDING 1961

Love you so much, always in my heart, so sad that you had to leave us so early, you would have been a great Grandma to Graham's boys and so proud of Sue now enjoying life in Australia with James and Hannah. I will be visiting the Hanworth Crematorium Rose Gardens on the weekend. Xxx

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME !! 49 YEARS AND COUNTING

30th April 1969 - 2018
Another year passes and what have I learned ... nothing as usual, my consistency is amazing. Having another slightly self indulgent post, as this week I am on leave and will kick things off with Monday celebrating "my birthday" as the late great Rik Mayall once said (TV episode, Bottom) and aside from a card from "All the lads on the Ark Royal" I will probably have to find something to do myself today since no one else really cares (and why should they).

Will be having a few days out during the week the first of which is Wednesday off out to Ascot races which has been an annual event now for a long while. Also have a few days away to Bognor Regis on the south coast to not only enjoy a bit of sea air and peace, but to meet up with a dear old friend and have a good old fashioned catch up. Anything else I manage to get up to will be a bonus and might well depend on how we do at the races first though. 

Used to plan a nice "present" to myself, alas that seems unlikely this time around, though as long as I find a way to go out to Ascot on Wednesday that will do for me. I am still collecting railway items such as these wagons below; 

PUGH, PUGH, BARNEY McGREW, CUTHBERT, DIBBLE AND GRUBB.

Can always look for something nice next month perhaps, things have been a bit up and down of late over the past twelve months although as I write this there are positives and perhaps as I enter my 50th year can improve things a little more going forwards. 

Happy Birthday !! 
Try and have a fun time mate. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME !! 30/04 -- 48 YEARS YOUNG

A slightly self indulgent post, but this weekend it is "my birthday" as the late Rik Mayall once said (Bottom episode) and aside from a card from "All the lads on the Ark Royal" I will probably have to find something to do myself today since no one else really cares (and why should they). 

Will be having a day out next week which has been an annual event now for a while going to Ascot Races with my brother and a few others. Unsure what the rest of the week will hold and money is tight but we will find something or just have a ride out on the trains or bus if the weather is nice pop down by the river would be a nice change so that would be Windsor or Richmond and have lunch. 

Used to plan a nice "present" to myself, alas that seems unlikely this time around, though as long as I find a way to go out to Ascot on Wednesday that will do for me. Can always look for something nice next month perhaps. 

Whatever else I do with this week off will probably depend on how well our day at Ascot pans out but since no one else will be getting my anything I better make sure I have enough for a nice drink if nothing else. Another year, and there won't be many more for me I fear. 

Happy Birthday !! 
Try and have a fun time mate. 

THINKING OF YOU ALWAYS MUM Xx [25/02]

Missing you mum, promise not a day goes by now when I don't think of you. Miss you and Love you. I have some comfort that you are reunited with Dad and hope that one day soon I will see you both again. Happy Birthday Mum. Xx

It saddens me that I don't have many more pictures of you to enjoy, but at least I have some lovely ones from your wedding day to Dad, and I know you didn't like having your photo taken anyway, much like myself. 

MUM AND DAD WEDDING 1961

Love you so much, always in my heart, so sad that you had to leave us so early, you would have been a great Grandma to Graham's boys and so proud of Sue now enjoying life in Australia with James and Hannah. I will be visiting the Hanworth Crematorium Rose Gardens on the weekend. Xxx

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD, MISSING YOU, LOVE YOU. X

Always missing you
Always thinking of you Dad. x

Your death will always remain a blurry memory. But your life will always be a vivid one, the epitome of greatness and sacrifice.

I miss you Dad

Dad remembering you is easy, I do so every day, missing you is the heartache that never goes away. Love you so much Dad x

Still thinking of you always, will be celebrating your birthday again today. Time is not helping the pain go away, I just wish I could spend one more day with you around.

You are always in my thoughts and my heart, we had so much more to do together, and I really missed the opportunity to tell you once again how much I love you so.

Gone, but certainly NEVER forgotten. xXx

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME !!

A slightly indulgent post, but it is my birthday as the late Rik Mayall once said (Bottom episode) and aside from a card from "All the lads on the Ark Royal" I will probably have to find something to do myself today. 

Have already been out racing this week to Ascot but might pop down to Goodwood for the day as it's the only convenient meeting on aside from Newmarket which is a fair trek from this side of London. 

Else it's a trip to Bristol for a model railway exhibition in Thornbury, or it would be a ride over to Stevenage to watch the mighty Wombles play their penultimate league match, but all being well secure a play off berth to extend the season further. A trip to Wembley for the play off final would be a welcome late present I must say (football gods are you listening). 

Any better ideas are gratefully received (and ignored if no good). 



Have already decided to get myself a new "toy" for this year and have ordered a new Bass Guitar similar to this beauty. 




Whatever else I get for myself will probably depend on how well our day at Ascot pans out but since no one else will be getting my anything I better make sure I have enough for a nice drink if nothing else. 

Happy Birthday Me !!