GOOD THINGS IN THE MORNING POST

The picture opposite shows me with Amanda Hoyle (soon to become Hooke) outside the entrance to St Joseph's RC Church in New Ollerton, Nottinghamshire on Amanda's Wedding Day 24/07/09. I have known Amanda and her family for alomost thirty years from the time I moved to Derbyshire from my then wonderful batchelor pad at Hill House in Gonalston, Notts. Amanda and her husband Andrew have now returned from honeymoon in Italy and my postman delivered a "Thank You" card from them, as follows: -

"Dear Fred,

Thank you for your wedding gift and for all your help and support with the wedding. Words can't tell you how pleased I was that you were able to give me away and how reassuring you were on and before the big day. Your speech was beautiful and had me and most of the guests enthralled. One of my friends said she was close to tears whilst listening to you.

Mum mentioned that you would like a photo of us walking down the aisle, I have not seen one yet but I have not seen all the guests photos yet. I'm sure there will be one from all the hundreds that were taken. I will email or post it to you.

Lots of Love,

Amanda and Andrew xxx

Amanda's wedding was a treasured day for me and this card was received with great pleasure.

Also in the same post by chance was a cheque for £1,800.00. On 18th. June I cycled to visit Amanda and Andrew, to discuss my role in their wedding, (giving the bride away) , this journey involved an overnight camp as the distance is 135 miles. (my first cycle-camping trip this year) Just before arrival at Ollerton, I was struck by a car, thrown onto it's bonnet and finished up beneath it's front wheels.. see top picture. I spent the rest of the day in hopital under observation but I was lucky to escape with no more than a sprained wrist and a lot of bruising down my right hand side. Damage to my bike and cloths etc., came to about £400.00 so the balance of the compensation was in respect of out of pocket expenses and the distress caused!

Funny that these two items should arrive in the same morning post. Both very welcome though.