Where did it all start
In 1948 at Audrey Freeman’s 21st birthday party on board T.S. Adventure. I was wearing my very expensive, collected that day, tailor made, light fawn, worcester gabardine trousers. I was sat on the end of a bench, about to enjoy a pint, when suddenly, I find myself sat on the deck in a pool of black and tan.
The perpetrator of this calamity was Third Officer, Miss Shirley Carter, who suddenly
decided to vacate the opposite end of my bench. What a mess, not surprisingly, no-one
would dance with a person who quite obviously had a weak bladder, but after a short discussion with Miss Carter, making her fully aware of her actions, I suggested the very least she could do was partner me for the rest of the evening – which she very kindly did.
On leaving the party we found that the buses were no longer running and being a gentleman, rashly offered to walk her home. At that time I was unaware I was in for a 5-mile trek but at least it provided ample trouser drying time.
During that trek, obviously feeling very much more comfortable, in a moment of
weakness I asked her what she would be doing for the rest of my life – I can’t remember her reply – but the rest is history.
61+ years on I have to say it has all been one endless round of pleasure and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Shirley for putting up with me and for painstakingly teaching me how to cook, iron, clean, shop and house-manage and bring up 2 wonderful children, Theresa and Tim. Regrettably being a slow learner – my education in these departments has not as yet been fully honed but I am learning fast!
However, I can confirm I’ve had no regrets –and that we were able to enjoy a full and
certainly exciting life together, my only one regret has been that it was never possible to remove the beer stain from those expensive trousers.
Sleep well my love until we meet again.
All my Love always, Larry xxxxxxxxxx
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