Top left to right::
Doug McWilliam, Liz Ward, Me, Geoff Flynn and
Joyce Mealand bottom left corner.
The Sheilas were slaving with Joan over the week-end whilst I was away.
Attack the attic!
The results were loads of memories as they discovered dolls from childhood, dresses from play fashion shows and real fashion shows. The attack opened up a memory lane of a family life - now going outside in black bags - on the way to the Charity Shop.
Charity Shops.
Today Joan and I loaded the car full to transport to our regular charity shop belonging to St Francis Hospice, a local charity. It was seats down in the Prius and rammo car loads. We were turned away by two elderly ladies. We will not be going there again after years of visits. Volunteers to the hilt, these ladies, but they said to us "Some people use us as a dumping ground". Hmmm. If we wanted to dump we could leave it at our front on a Tuesday night and it would be gone by morning.
So we went to the local Salvation Army Shop with two massive car loads and received the warmest of welcome, co-operation and fun exchanges.
Whilst we were there delivering I had a call from Joy Wren who informed me that her Mother, Joyce Mealand, had died yesterday.
Joyce was an Angel. She ran the coffee bar in the Mayflower Club in Canning Town, East London - and much more than that. She was a full member of the youth work team and staff. A real Mum to all the kids. She was able to say things to the kids, as a local Mum, that I couldn't. She was majestic so loyal and loving in every way. Going around to here home and sit in her kitchen with a cup of tea was a real treat. I loved her and still do.
It has been 24 years since we worked together.
Thank you God for the beautiful human that is Joyce.
If you worked alongside me in those days - or know someone who did - please pass on the sad news.
When we returned home to continue to dredge our home in readiness for an expected move, but still no home on the horizon, Joan pulled her back and spent the next three hours in bed.
Hmmm. She is now walking - but only just!!
