My reason for not posting in the past week is that my Grandad has passed away at the age of 81. He was a true countryman and one of best friends.
Throughout my childhood he always encouraged my interest in wildlife and natural history and it was he who gave me my first bird book when I was about 5. For most of my childhood I wanted to be a farmer just like him. In the years before retiring he was one of the groundsmen for Mote Park and he therefore knew the park like the back of his hand. Armed with a pocket-full of aniseed balls or spearmint polos he would take me for 'adventures' around the park on any Saturday I was available. He would point out birds and the odd bit of birdsong, show me nests and burrows, make me a walking stick with his trusty pocket-knife, and take me to the best chestnut tree or blackberry bush!! In my mid-teens when I decided to have a local patch, Mote Park had no competiton.
Mote Park holds so many special memories and it will be emotional returning for my walks in the near furure. I cannot believe I won't be able to pop in and see him on my walk home from the Park anymore, reporting to him what I have found.
Hi, my name is Simon. My local patch is Mote Park, one of Kent’s largest parks and right on the edge of Maidstone, the county town of Kent. It is a former country estate, and records of the Park date back since before the 14th century. The park has a variety of habitats and this blog will note all the wildlife that I encounter in them.
4 comments:
Simon ,
I am sure that your Grandad would have a tear in his eye and a smile on his face reading that eulogy .
Yes , it will be emotional next time walking the Park , but for sure , you will not be alone .
A sad time for you Simon. You can look on your grandad with fond memories, he'd be happy to have you follow in his footsteps.
Hi Simon.
I am sorry to hear about your Grandfather.
Simon, just read your post & must admit it brought tears to my eyes & a lump in my throat.
Your Grandad would be so proud of you. Keep up the brilliant work.
When you next go walking in Mote Park think of all the things your Grandad taught you & the special moments you spent together.He was very lucky to have you as a Grandson.
Take care. x
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