family
memories
The first ripe tomato.
My favourite memories of Pap.
Pap had decided it was time to start gardening and growing his own vegetables. he was balways one to potter and try things out. It was the spring of 2013 ? and Pap had decided this was the year that he wanted to grow tomatoes and strawberries. His pride grew as his vegetables and fruits grew. One summers evening, around tea time, Nan and I were watching tv in the living room ( most likely NCIS ) as Pap wondered off to attend to his crops. Suddenly, we hear rustling in the kitchen and a clear " Don't come in !" from Pap. Nan looks to me and gives a gentle eye roll. I laugh and continue watching the tv. Moments later, in walks Pappy with the proudest, biggest smile I may have ever seen him grin. With a tea towel carefully draped over his hand, Pap stands in front of the tv. He has our full attention, He smiles. Me and Nan look at each other slowly and then back to Pap. He slowly kneels, bows his head and we hear the words.. " I present to you... the first ripe tomato." A top the plate, a single, red cherry tomato glints in the sunlight. Pap gently slices the tomato into 3 ( rather small ) pieces. He presents each of us with a slice and we share it, laughing and smiling.
By Joanne Adams.
Secret pounds flipped into the pots at the arcades... Nan forever questioning how I ever managedb to make 50 2p coins last for 2 hours on the machines. Forever seeing the joy in the little things - spiders, flowers, grass, mice... a gentle giant who cared for all things nature. Being excited over a banana split shared at the beach ( with extra cream on top ). Forever being proud to tell the story of how he lit upa fag whilst running The Great North Run. His never ending caring love for the communties that he built wherever he lived. His stories from taxis... did you know he once drove from Mablethorpe to Ireland without a map ?. His endless conversations about which motorway is best to get to anywhere in the UK ( I would never mention the fact i use Google Maps and listen to his in-depth directions and tangent stories that he told ).
By Joanne Adams.
The lovely actress Sue Pollard. One of Brian's many passengers in his taxis.
