3 years on

3 years ago today my brother was murdered. Its not really a day I enjoy, but one I seldom forget. Thankfully, I'm away on holiday from tomorrow, so that helps. I'll be thinking of you Jody.

The best of times, the worst of Times

Since working for over three years at Senate House Library, I've had the good fortune to work with someone called Jim Callaghan. Jim opened the library, sorted the tills out, moved the books to there area and other jobs. Not the most glamorous job, but one he'd done well for 27 years. In that time he'd seen the library change from having a tea urn and bar, to a streamlined machine. He'd seen people come and people go.
In July he was to retire, with a new gran daughter to take care of and time with the family. We'd already organised his last birthday present (a London Irish rugby shirt, a bottle of whisky and a book). When we gave it to him, he had tears in his eyes. He was going to miss this place on retirement.
We were organising a leaving do for him in July. To hear his stories and to see him smile. Unfortunately, Jim passed away on Saturday in his sleep. It's amazingly sad, but I'm so glad he had that birthday and to see him smile. Sometimes when I blog I forget works not all about gadgets and talk. Its often about the people you interact with. You'll be sadly missed Jim.

Jill Bradley's Service

As mentioned previously, Phil Bradley's wife, Jill passed away recently. Phil has just entered a very touching piece on his blog about the service. She sounded a lovely person and my thoughts are with Phil and Jill's family and friends.

One year on

A year yesterday my baby brother was murdered. Its been sad without him and even sadder going to Cornwall to be with my parents. I still hold the memories and times we had together. Anyhow here are some video's of Jody (1 and 2). Thanks to all the messages of support.

My great gran passed away

I had some sad news when my Great Gran Vodden (bottom right), passed away in her sleep in hospital. She was aged 107 and had only recently been to hospital, caring for herself in the same house for over 60 years. She was going blind and deaf, but her mind still sharp. She had 3 children, 12 grandchildren, numerous great and great grandchildren. She also had a great,great,great gran child born 101 years exactly after her own birth. Although it was time for her to go its still sad to hear the news, and doubtful i'll make the funeral to give her the good bye she deserved. I'll always think of you fondly gran.

Jody the Junglist

This is for my brother, who passed away. Here are 2 links. One from the BBC and video a great friend made of him. Thanks for everyones thoughts. Its appreciated.

Bad day

Had the worst news when I was told my brother was murdered. Still numb.

Sad news

I was informed sunday of my grandfather passing away and am in the midst of preparing myself to be a bearer. I will miss him so much. He watched me as a child play football, he got me interested in football (which in turn made me interested in statistics and classification). He also taught me more important lessons. That money does not make you happy. That you should look out for your fellow man. That you should always remember your family. And most of all, that life is for living. I Salute you for that grandpi.