Social Whirl and Final Departure

23rd April – Wed

Chinese Meal at The Ocean Palace with some of our work colleagues.

24th April – Thurs

My last Craft ‘n’ Chat meeting was a delightful mix of Chat and lovely food, as to my surprise everyone had brought food and wine.  I was presented with a Tapestry kit to make a beautiful seascape with a lighthouse and 2 Teddy Bears.  One wearing wet weather gear and a life jacket, which I think was me and another wearing a Captains hat and life jacket which is Michael.  I cried, some other people cried and there were lots of smiles and good wishes.

The group has been a highlight of the past few years and we have really got to know each other.  We share our projects and ideas and the best thing is, someone always know the answer, no matter what the question is.  I call it giggle therapy.  Long may it continue.

25th April – Fri – Last Day at Work

During the week we had both had lovely gifts and messages of Good Luck and Bon Voyage, and Friday continued to surprise us.  Michael has been at work for nearly 38 years so is an integral part of the business.  I have been there for nearly 22 years and our 60 year contribution was mentioned in the speeches.  Michael was given a book called ‘What Do You Know’ which is one of his many favourite phrases as he walks around the building.  I was given a ‘Build-a-Bear’ which was lovely enough however it held a secret.  The system the company sells makes a BingBong sound which Michael made on a synthesizer many years ago.  When the bears paw is pressed he too makes a BingBong sound, much to the appreciation of ourselves and the many people who had gathered to hear our final goodbyes.  His ‘Birth Certificate’ states him as BingBond bear.  Very clever and very thoughtful, more tears.

We have both watched apprentices and people come into the business over the years as teenagers and grow into adults with families of their own and it is these people which make life special.  Work is just work without a bond with the people we work with.

26th April – Sat – Meal with friends and family

Family members and friends gathered for our last Indian (actually Bangladeshi) meal at our favourite Dil Raj restaurant.  We then adjourned to the New Inn for final drinks.

We have been overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness shown to us over the last few days and cannot thank people enough.  You will all be missed.

27th April – Sun – Travel to Troon

Annette and Julian – Mick’s sister and Brother-in-law (and my friends) had kindly offered to take us on our last journey to Troon in their Campervan, then they would continue on a Scottish break of their own.  I had envisaged sitting on our bags and wishing we had not brought to much stuff, but our 4 bags easily fit in the T5 van and we had a lovely couch style seat to sit on.  We had great views out of the large windows and an elevated view over the fields.  It was perfect.  We were stoked up half way with Julian and Annette’s Flapjack, at a wooded picnic site, and were there in no time.

 

We unloaded the final stuff into the boat and met up for a lovely meal at Scott’s to round off the week’s activities.