Unofficial Christ's Hospital Forum

Gosh, thanks for the heads up on this. 1932 was my father's last year. He played euphonium in the band - the sort that would round the body - I used to have a picture of the band with him in it so accoutred. He brought it home one summer and played 'Bonnie Annie Laurie' on it. Repeatedly and without alternative so my grandmoher said. Couldn't see him on the films though. Also lost, the half crown he received in 1931 as a monitor. Same prices in the 50s, 10/- for Grecians. 'Shake with the right, take with the left, bow to the Lady Mayoress'.

englishangel wrote:Yes, I started and finished with MKM so I AM going senile.

I apologise for my part in your decline!

Regarding "Senility " ---- I dare not comment

MKM wrote:

englishangel wrote:Yes, I started and finished with MKM so I AM going senile.

I apologise for my part in your decline!

I don't think you had anything to do with it Mary, I did it all by myself.

Neill - re senility, I think you are demonstrating to all of us how to age gracefully (or should that be disgracefully?)! I have just spent part of the day with my father (aged 84 and with Alzheimers) and he can still physically run rings round all of us. I confess I am not looking forward to the future as his illness progresses.

englishangel wrote:Yes, I started and finished with MKM so I AM going senile.

We were definitely there, and so was my Mum.

I remember Dad dropping me back at school after a Long Sat visit, and him being handed an invite to the service. There must have been a draw for x number of parent attendees per house.

Anyway, Mum attended, and when we found each other after the service she was holding the hem of her dress in a very odd fashion. Explanation was that her knicker elastic had failed, and she didn't want to embarrass me by letting them fall, stepping out of them, and walking away .

Obviously nothing so memorable happened to me.

(BTW, does knicker elastic still do that, or are modern knickers so close fitting it doesn't happen?)

I KNOW I'm going to be in Trouble --------- but what are Knickers ?

Very amusing query, NEILL, but don't think we're falling for that one....

Frances -- sorry to hear that your Father has developed the dreaded Alz.
It is, however, a comfort to know, that as the disease progresses, he will be unaware of his dis-ability,or his surroundings.
It is, of course, terrible for Family and Friends to witness the decline of a much loved person, but Parkinson's is, in my view, much the worse. The sufferer from Parkinson's Disease, is perfectly well aware of their condition,as the brain is un-affected. The classic case is that of the wonderful Terry Thomas, who tried to retire into obscurity, when he found his abilities declining. He couldn't hold a snooker cue.
Fortunately somebody found out --- and his final years were in comfort with Friends around him.

I don't suppose I shall get a choice -- but I should like to go as my Father did --- a glorious August morning -- went down to the Orchard, to investigate a broody Bantam --- put his hand under her to feel for eggs, and died instantly, from a heart attack ! --- Bad for my Mother, who rang a "Summoning" cow-bell for ages, and cursed him for not coming !

I believe that the Good Lord has a sense of humour --- and when I am boasting about my ability to run 100 m, do Pressups etc. at 81 --- he will push me under a Bus !!! --- Laugh that off !!!

I know this is a serious subject, but it is one which we all must face. As with my Father,I have left "Instructions" on my Death --- including, you will be distressed to know, informing the CH Forum !

Neill - thank you for thinking to notify us all. We shall be able to turn up at your funeral and not sing Crimond! Except that we shall probably all be far too old ourselves by then.