A gathering of good memories
8th November 2023
Our November meet up was a gathering of good memories of a dear colleague, Mike, aka Mick Law. Six Gelly babes, three 'other halves' and a host of past Gell staff, ex-students, family and friends met at the rather damp and windy crematorium near Aston-on-Trent to send Mike on his way.
It was a beautiful service, arranged by Biker Mike, who should give himself a pat on the back! We didn't learn much more about him than we already knew: a loving, calm, gentle man (in its truest sense).We all have different memories of him but will all remember his rather charming smile. In fact the only thing we learnt, was how he was known to work colleagues as Mike, but to family as Mick. Blame Mike North (who?), apparently!
Afterwards we descended to the Clock Warehouse in Shardlow for further chat, meeting family, a warm up and a snack on a very wobbly table. There was some head-scratching about the history of the place and which canal we were viewing. A quick geography lesson proved someone was right!
Trip to Liverpool anyone?
Now, for those of you not present (and we did think of you all), apart from a bit of cropping, spot the difference in the photos!
Bit more fuzzy???
Having obliged us with taking our photos so we didn't have to do a selfie, Bob showed us how to properly pose.
No sideways glances here!
Then Chris had a go with the
hands-in-pocket look.
After lots of laughter and failing to find the dark grey safety tip from my brooch, lost on the tarmac, we bid farewell and wished for a full turn out in December.
But, before we close, let's return to the start of the day. As we entered the chapel, we were each given an acorn by Mike's grand-daughter. Mike didn't feel there are enough oak trees around and asked for each of us to plant or drop one somewhere.
So here's to Mike's legacy: from one tiny acorn, may a huge oak be born.
