It amazes me when I look at the statistics to see how widely this blog is read. I even had a visitor from Syria in the last few months – which bought the current Civil War there a little closer to home. If, my Syrian visitor, you read this post – be assured of my prayers (and it made a good theme for a school assembly on “It’s a small world”).
Two pieces of news. My dad, Dr Jeffrey Barham, died on 3 December 2013. This photo was taken in a tea shop in Corbridge in June 2011 – we didn’t actually do Corbridge church … . I remember many childhood visits to excavations, Roman sites, etc. where dad would disappear for what seemed like hours. I have recently read Charlotte Higgins’ book “Under another sky” which traces her journeys in Roman Britain. Many of these places I visited with dad. I had bought him a copy of Ed Geldard’s wonderful book of photos “Hadrian’s Wall: edge of an Empire” for his Christmas present (reduced from £25 to £10 in a bargain bookshop in Carlisle) – I’ll keep it myself. Mum (Jane, died 2010) and dad have been part of church congregations in around Cambridge for all their lives – Arbury Road Baptist Church Cambridge, Barton Baptist Church, Emmanuel URC and St Columba’s URC – and St Peter’s church, Barton. May they both rest in peace, and rise in glory.
My son Gareth (23) had a heart transplant at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London 9 years ago after dilated cardiomyopathy damaged his own heart beyond repair. He has had his ups and downs over the last few years, but back in June (2013) he was well enough to walk up to Housesteads Roman fort. (If you have visited Northumberland, you will know it is quite a walk from the car park to the fort). After a spell in the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle he has been told that this heart is failing, and another transplant will be necessary. I am writing this on 11 December. Since 1 April 2013 906 people have donated organs, 2,375 have received transplants, and 7,098 people are waiting for transplants. If you have not signed the Organ Donor Register please go to NHS Organ Donor website and do so. There are 7,097 + Gareth who are waiting.
We would all value your prayers please.
The third piece of news – Ray, if you read this, I have found your black folder on the Wannie Line (yes really – but now I’ve lost your phone number). For the rest of you, the Wannie Line ran from Morpeth to Reedsmouth Junction along the Wansbeck Valley. Here are some videos to enjoy:
Finally – don’t forget, a Christmas welcome at Ponteland St Mary.
Hello Peter
That’s excellent news about the Wannie Line folder (I will have to find something else now to ”badger” you about) but so sorry it had to follow the two other news items – please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your father and I hope Gareth’s problems can be speedily and successfully seen to.
I will try to get in touch beforehand, but failing that, I will see you on the evening of Saturday January 18th.
Best Wishes
Ray
Goodness me, what a tough time you’re going through. I’m very sorry to hear about your dad. My thoughts and best wishes to you and your family – hoping Gareth gets some good news in the near future.
Dear Peter,
I know I’m a bit late, but I still would like to offer my condolences. I only found out recently that your dad has passed away.
Jeffrey was one of the nicest people I have ever met. As was your mom. I met them a long time ago. I think it was in the summer of ’95. They were visiting Bruges and the local observatory where I was working as a volunteer. We kept in touch ever since and they invited me over a few times. I was always surprised how welcoming and young at heart they were. They have inspired me. And I will never forget them.
Regards,
Youri
Thanks so much Youri. One of my sadnesses is that I never got dad to the observatory in Kielder – http://www.kielderobservatory.org/. He only really got back into astronomy when David and I had left home, but he got a huge amount from it – and from his many friends. Best wishes, Peter
I don’t know why, but I started looking up a few people on Google who I knew when I worked at Melbourn Primary School in the 1970s. Sorry to hear about your dad, who I hadn’t seen for about 30 years, but the 2011 photo of him looks so ‘Jeff’ and as enquiring as ever. His mind was clearly still very active.
I knew your mum too as she was music teacher when I taught at Comberton Happy days!
I can see that you have had many trials in life, but you are obviously supported by faith and family.
The wonders of the internet ever fail to amaze me, though I think I knew already that you went into the church! Keep up the good work and communication!
Lovely to hear from you. The internet is great in so many ways! Best wishes, Peter