It is always of interest to see what is happening among friends and colleagues (actually, all friends), leading busy lives. I have followed you through happy and sad periods and note the reflections on life in general, through what are difficult times. The Pandemic was a huge shock to the system, especially to those who lost loved ones to Covid and the after effects sees life as we knew it, change forever. Coupled with the war in Ukraine and other troubles that we perhaps are not aware of yet, 2023 looks to be another challenging year.
My year has been very busy and having turned 65, I will no doubt have to slow down at some point. That said, my doctor tells me I have the blood pressure of a 25-year-old, so that’s how I will act! I have finished the construction phase of my old house in Yorkshire and built a garage extension, complete with the Epsom Coaches clock, that used to provide the time for passers by in South Street, from 1933 and later, the old garage at Longmead. It ended up in “retirement” in the Departure Lounge. I am looking forward to playing with my classic cars, in a nice warm garage. I also keep busy with consultancy work, which brings me down south quite a lot, when it is always nice to catch up.
In the year ahead, I am determined to complete the Epsom Coaches website, which will include all the old brochures and everything else recorded electronically. I will also update the history, right up until the end on 25th June 2017 and I suspect a little beyond! Once that is done, the physical archive will go to a museum to preserve for ever. That will free up space for my model railway, which is insurance for my less active years ahead. As those who know me will agree, I need to keep busy for my sanity!
I had in mind to arrange another much less formal reunion in 2023, maybe meet at a pub and have chat together. Please let me know if you would like that and I will arrange.
As this time of year, we remember those who are not with us anymore and remember the good times we had with them. They I know, would want us to have pleasant memories, but also to look forward to the new year, with optimism and in the hope that the world will sort itself out.
Wherever you are, may I thank you for sharing your news with me and may I wish you all, the very best for a happy and healthy new year.
Warmest regards
Steve Whiteway FCILT