I heard, just before Christmas, that my oldest friend John ¨Bowie"Beaumont from the Shell Mex and BP days had died suddenly.
"Suddenly" as in a major stroke, which despite him actually being on the grounds of a hospital at the time, killed him almost instantly. He was just 80 and seemingly as fit as ever, with him being the first person I knew to embrace things like running at lunchtime, triathlon, modern pentathlon and most things sporting. He was also an inveterate "helper" - not just for me (which he did in many ways), but also at the Manchester games, Covid vaccination co-ordination, kids swimming and many other things.
Being a "planner", I had mused on things like returning to the UK for funerals (only rationale over last 20 years), and had even suggested to Bowie that a place for me need not be set at any wake (whilst also pointing out that my choice is for Gill to tell people after my funeral - which in Spain is usually within 24 or 48 hours). Unfortunately the UK is beset by many problems, including one whereby the average wait for the funeral / cremation seems to be about 4 weeks, so the funeral was not until after mid-January. In early 2024 we might have had some problems getting away, but by the 17th it was possible - and I found I just had to go - mainly as I felt I owed him so much (although I guess you really go to show your respects to the family). Anyway, we duly booked the flights and hotel and went to the UK - and I am very glad we did.
The funeral was "humanist" - which meant no prayers or hymns, just a "celebrant" speaking about John´s life, a series of photographs of his life and 3 of his personal choices of music (Freddy Mercury´s Time Waits for No One, Fairytale of New York and Bat Out of Hell) - some choice! Christine also asked me to say a few words about my times at Shell and afterwards with Bowie - something I was honoured to do (although I did find it quite emotional). The celebrant was specific in his requirement for "two pages of A4 and no more than 5 minutes", which was something I found a bit strange as I prefer to have a few headline notes then extemporise - not something that lends itself to exact timing. Anyway, I wrote it and "almost" read it - with only a couple of minor diversions.
Amongst the 20 or so mourners there, there were only 3 other ex-Shell people, without even the pensioners´ representative (even though I would have thought it one of his main roles). 30 minutes in and out with the next funeral waiting. The total opposite end to a production line.
As you might imagine, it certainly stirred the "old time is still a-passing" feelings in me (and in a couple of other who mentioned their own mortality).
Anyway, we were both very glad we went and paid our respects.
On the travel front and the practicalities, we were greatly helped by the transport provided by in-laws Anne and Stan. The Alderley Edge hotel proved to have become something of a business-travel-lodge with small rooms designed for one person short stays, but we were assisted with an upgrade (thanks Alison) into a spacious room which really suited our needs. Generally the hotel staff were exceptional and the breakfasts superb (poached eggs to die for). I was stunned by the prices in the bar (35£ at bottom end of the wine list), but what the hell - when travelling pay-up and look pleasant. Jet 2 staff proved exceptionally helpful too and we were glad we had travelled with them. Continuing the helpful theme, I was also surprised at how pleasant and helpful most staff were in the shops we visited.
Unfortunately, I guess that seeing almost everyone as being pleasant and helpful is really a reflection on how things are just not like that in Spain.
Only sour note probably the security at Manchester airport (quality of service and attitude not improved in 35 years). To me it shows how Manchester apply their 15% "international traveller" attitudes to the mainly 85% holiday travellers - whereas Malaga apply their "everyone is a holidaymaker" attitude and make things so much simpler and more pleasant (especially when the "TIE / resident card" enables you to skip the passport queues).
A sad trip, but one which has opened up a few new horizons.
Comments