Third from the left is my father. Last weekend the Northampton Chronicle & Echo (or maybe it's only the Northampton Chronicle now, I'm not sure) printed a number of photographs from their archives asking people to write in if they knew the names of any of the gentlemen at the 1966 Institute of Bankers Dinner. Two of my aunts phoned Mum to tell her the photo was in the paper and one of them had already written to the editor telling them about Dad.
Last evening I emailed the newspaper asking if they would send me a copy and when I switched on my computer this morning they had already sent me the photo. In 1966 I was 16 and he was 46 (only 12 years older than Han is now which is a scary thought). His first coronary was 6 years earlier and his second, the fatal one, was 7 years after this photo was taken. I have to say that for me, the 12 months following my 53rd birthday were weirdly uncomfortable and I felt a great relief when I got to 54.
This isn't a sympathy vote post, I just wanted to share the photo with you. Thirty-five years on of course we miss him, and Hannah never knew him at all, but the raw soreness has gone and that was another lifetime. We still remember that 16 October marks his birthday, 31 March Mum and Dad's wedding anniversary (and Pauley's and mine), and 12 November will always be a day of quiet thoughtfulness for Mum and me.
I'm so glad the paper printed that photo now. It's given us a chance to remember the prudent banker as opposed to the family man. I wonder how he would have reacted to all the problems the banks are facing today. As, I believe, the youngest manager of Martins Bank, latterly Barclays, he was totally against the introduction of the Barclaycard, which some of you may recall was the first credit card, insisting that it would be a licence to commit fraud and would cause endless problems. No-one believed him at the time! Not one to mince his words I bet he'd have a few choice words to say about the current financial situation!
Update to the previous post:
We collected my new car this morning and so far we're getting on fine! Think I might love it soon. I'll let you know after a few trips up and down the A303 to Dairy House and back!
10 comments:
What a lovely post, it is good to remember and walk down memory lane from time to time. I often remember my dad always with a smile and not a tear because that is the way he would have wanted it.
How great that the paper sent you a copy of the photo and so quickly and how very smart they all look, dress suit haven't really changed that much really have they.
Jan
A great photo Sue & thoughtful comments in light of the situation at present. Have a good w/e.. whats the new car then?
Liz xx
A beautifully reflective post, Sue.
Your father had a wonderful smile and I can see the family likeness.
Niki x
What a lovely post ..and wasn't your dad a wise man?!
Fascinating about the Barclaycard!
Many wise words spoken all those years ago,by certain people, are now being remembered...alas far too late!
Our local paper always prints photos from the past, which I find intriguing!
Have a good week! ;-)
Hello there,
I just linked to your blog from Sophie's. My dad was a banker also, and died from a heart attack at the age of 54 ten years after his first one. I think you and I must be about the same age -- somewhat of a rarity in the world of blogs where most of the bloggers I read are closer to my daughter's age.
I'm glad to have found your blog and am putting it on my feed list.
Georganna
Hi Sue,
Thanks for stopping by.
I think someone should've listened to your Dad! He certainly saw the future. As you say, you always miss the ones you lose but how lovely to have pictures such as that and of course your memories.
Deb x
This is such a nice post I think the time of Gentleman banker has tragically passed, but I know that if the standards our Parents and grandparents had still existed we would definately have a safer future ahead!
What a lovely way to remember your dad! This is a lovely post!
I too lost my dad in November 1982 aged 57, I was in my early 20's. It seems so very long ago but I remember many happy memories and some sad ones, he never met my husband or children and sadly my husbands father had also died in 1976 so my girls have never had a grandfather!
Lovely post Sue, so nice for you to have the photo of your Dad in happier and healthier times. It's odd when those milestones are reached isn't it? I mean my Mum isn't far off the age when her Mum died of Alzheimers yet lucky for her she is healthier than her Mother ever was but I know she worries about it.
Lovely post. Sorry about your Dad. He looked to be a fine man. Wise beyond his years about the Barclaycard. I lived outside Bury St. Edmunds from 1952 to 1954 and my daughter was born in Cambridge. Absolutely lovely Country. Hubby was in the USAF. I love England. Come to the USA for a visit. Also visit my daughter's blog at vintageswampgirl.blogspot.com
Cheers from US
Gerry in N.C.
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