Dear Dad
We may be separated physically today by the miles but I am with you with all my heart and mind. You were always there for me and taught me so many lessons of life. You have guided me without pushing me, helped me with good advice but left me to make my own decisions. You even taught me at an early age how to spell tautology and procrastinate! I remember many a Sunday lunch when we listened to classical music during the meal and had a round of spelling B afterwards. Yes, you taught me to be competitive as well. You and Mum gave us so many experiences which have stayed with us as we have grown up. But one especially happy evening was just you and me, Dad. You took me to London by train to the Haymarket Theatre to see The Importance of Being Earnest and then to supper at Lyon’s Corner House on the Strand. I felt a princess.

We have shared so much and had a lot of laughs – whether it was at the Branscombe Musical Entertainment Evening – and scares, with you insisting on remaining in the ice-cream queue at the Much Hadham Fete while gang ‘warfare’ raged around you. (Slight poetic licence, here)

Nevertheless, Dad you have been such a role model to me, I shall miss you dearly but know you have finally reached peace. Thank you, Dad and God bless you.

Your ever loving daughter Hilary