Borth

When the children were young we used to go to Borth quite often it was the nearest seaside to us as we lived in Mid Wales. I remember sunny days like this one above but also being rained out of our tent and having to pack the car and go home in the middle of the night. All part of the family adventure and of course memorable.

I am now planning and replanning my painting for 2016. Was that just lightning that flashed across the sky light. Yes. Okay January may be problematic but where there is a will there is a way.

Storm Stan?

A pretty wet and windy walk in the dark this morning with no chink in the sky indicating the sunrise. I kept a weather eye on the trees which were swaying madly.

The above painting is a bit more serene and one we have seen many times in the past when anchored off Laugharne.

Not really ideal weather for a spot of plein air painting and my studio is choc a with furnishings and paintings as the builders are still here.

Maybe a day for reading a good book?

PS It seems its Storm Frank!

Isle of Inishmore

We have and some pretty strong winds lately and a lot of rain. I feel very sorry for all those affected adversley. I wouldn't want to be crossing the Irish Sea at the moment. The above painting is of the Isle of Inishmore the ferry that runs out of Pembroke dock.
I did the painting a few years back. It shows the Isle of Inishmore going up the channel in to Pembroke Dock near Carr Rocks.  The painting sat around the studio collecting dust and eventually it got caught up in a clear out.

Well Christmas is nearly over and normality such as it is is due to return.

Happy Christmas - I think I may have got away with it!

Well here it is Happy Christmas to all. I think I nearly got away with it. Alex left me to order new blinds for the house. The old vertical blinds in the kitchen were pretty dirty as Jac sleeps by the looking out the window.

I measured the slats and counted them having taken down the old ones. I the confirmed an order online. Great all went well and the slats arrived today. I went to replace them on the rail but found I was 5 short. When I had counted them I had counted the number of blinds hanging  on the rail where I had left it propped up in the corner but had missed the fact that 5 had slipped off the rail on the floor. Consequently I was five short!

I put up the new ones and chose the five best old ones to accompany them.

Alex came in and said, " Ah the new blinds have come. What happened there?" Pointing to an old blind.
"Ah, I think Jac splashed it when we came back from a walk." I responded crossing my fingers.
"Well it will always get a bit dirty." she said.

I think I may have got away with it!! Do you?

Newport

More rain - Newport  and Mynydd Carningli Sold earlier this year.

Christmas Eve 2015

Its Christmas Eve and I am working in the Origin Gallery in Carmarthen. I am happy working today. People buying last minute gifts are normally pretty festive. More rain out with the dogs first thing and a beautiful starry sky for a few minutes as the clouds parted.

I think I have gotten away withthe blinds debacle (yesterdays post). Alex hasn't twigged!

Happy Christmas to all my family, Clive and Pat, Jen John and Ben, Andrew and Olwena, Geraint, Martin and Mary, Paul George and all my ex colleagues and friends, and of course all our customers past and future.

Vintage Fordson Tractor

Truth be told I am not sure why I have posted this painting of a vintage Fordson Tractor. I just stopped when I got to it. It was a commission a few years ago. It was a bit complicated as I had to put together the tractor the premises and the driver with a hen in one painting. I didn't have a photograph of it all to work from. Additionally the driver couldn't know as it was a surprise.
Anyway it went okay, as long as you do these things confidently you have a pretty good chance of it pulling together and not looking like some sort of bad jigsaw.

Its nearly Christmas. It used to be that a car was your second biggest purchase in your life. Considering we bought an 1100 for £15 and we rescued a Morris Minor Pick up from a field being used as a hen house that may say something. Christmas may now be the second biggest purchase! Time was when "A pair of Hopalong Boots and a Pistol That shoots," was all Barney and Ben wanted. Now its tablets, games and many other things that leave me bemused and wondering how I was happy with a homemade catapult, penknife and bag of marbles.

Oh well lets hope there is a program on TV for me I can sit in front of it with a pint. Maybe, Bob Hope and Bing on the Road to somewhere, or the Marx Borthers, Eric and Ernie, or Only Fools and Horses. Vintage Stuff.

Red kite over the River Towy

The above painting is quite large and pretty well spans one kitchen wall. It had to be taken down for redecoration but is now rightfully back as a backdrop to our breakfast. It was painted on two easels which I made as a pair for leass than £20 for them both. I have a bought studio easel but is mainly relegated to holding drying work. In total I have six easels which may seem excessive but each has its own function and is less than the number of vaccum cleaners Alex has accumulated!

Today we are blessed by the visit of two grandchildren so I must go now and complete a full risk assessment. Tick list, ear defenders, kevlar jacket...

Obscure Link excerpt from a teenage opera!

Clearer Skies

This painting shows the new footbridge across the Towy in clearer skies than today. It was commissioned for a gift to the Twin Town of Lesneven a couple of years ago.

I have no idea what I am going to be doing this week but painting anything other than walls or ceilings seems to be out of the question.

Link Moody Blues

River Bridge Carmarthen

The above painting of the river bridge at Carmarthen was one of the paintings that went this week.

I have been painting the last two days, ceilings and walls!! Oh well thats life.

Carmarthen in Winter

Well I guess this is pretty much a reflection of Carmarthen presently. Yesterday we went to Bridgend to deliver a commission and the motorway was a sea of spray. I have someone coming tonight for a painting so it is a busy time of year unsurprisingly. We can now get back into our kitchen (the builders are in) its nice to be able to cook again.

How does plaster dust manage to get in everywhere?

I'm Going to build an Arc

Ok thats it I am officially going to build an Arc. I don't mind rain but I think right now I have had enough! I have to decide what I am going to save of course and that is the fun bit really.

Well there would be no need for mobile phones. Yes a result!

NO computer games again another result. Whats wrong with a catapult, marbles and a pen knife for the grandchildren. Yes it will have to have a large soundproof play room!

It will have to have a library with plenty of books including my favourite book,

"Land Beyond the Ridge: Reminiscences of Sixty Odd Years of the Finest Hobby Man Can Have, Motor Cycling."

A good food store and kitchen with a good supply of wine!!

Will I need paints? Will there be a market for paintings after the flood? Well at least some paper adn pencils then!

Animals well of course two of everything.

People, well now comes the tricky bit. Of course the family and friends. After that well maybe its easier to say who would have to learn to swim. No Politicians, goes without saying. No bigots, or preachers of hate (getting a bit serious now).  So maybe I'll leave it to you to think about who would be welcome after the flood.

Winter in the Preseli's.

 I have spent most of this week so far  wrapping pictures and trudging to the post office and back.

I'm not complaining and to be fair the post office has been busy but not too bad. The painting above is of Trefgarne in the Preseli's and has sold.  No sign of a white Christmas though is there? 

Painting of Chew Valley Lake

I did the above painting when we visited Chew Valley a couple of years ago. It sold this week. Its a beautiful spot but a bit frustrating for our cocker spaniel. With all the wildfowl and wild life he wasn't allowed off his lead.

Fishing Boats Burry Port

The above painting sold a few years ago but it is still worth showing. It captures the early morning atmosphere of fishing boats in Burry Port harbour.

We have a had a busy time of it with school plays hospital visiting and all the associated things with a big family. Last week we were asked if we would exhibit for a month next year and although we had made the decision not to exhibit at all we have the work to fill the particular venue, and we agreed.

Cattle and rain

It would be nice to get a break from the rain. Not that I am complaining but there are many who are in a terrible plight because of it. The above is a painting of cattle after the rain. The painting has gone.

We had a good night in Clevedon at the weekend with our family celebrating our son in law's birthday.

I have been in the gallery and not seen a paintbrush for a few days. Off to collect grandchildren now.

One in a Million - Miss Claudia

Okay well its no great celebration but it is a good number. No not my age. I have now exceeded One Million views of my images on Google. My blog numbers are a tenth of that but okay. I have posted one of my favourite paintings from my collection. Miss Claudia at the Texaco Jetty Milford Haven.

Carmarthen from near Green Castle Corner

It doesn't look like this today. I did this painting from a gateway near Green Castle Corner looking towards Carmarthen a few years ago on a pleasant day. It never got framed or sold and eventually I binned it. Cooks bank is on the right of the picture. You can't identify where the river begins or ends at the moment it is all flood plane.

A dog is a joyful thing..

A dog is really a joyful thing designed to make you smile and exercise. Jac is a great companion. I walk a lot. If I didn't have a dog would I be up and tramping across fields at first light? If I was doing that without a dog most people would question my sanity but with a dog its different. There are no excuses, no lie-ins, no just five more minutes, no its time to go, and he knows it. In rain, sleet, in light or darkness no matter off we go.

I get my thinking time done on the first walk of the day. What are my plans? What order am I doing them? What painting am I doing and  how will I paint it? Time passes quickly and I rarely note the steep climb up through the woods and fields (unless I slip in the mud!). The walk back down I open my eyes and take in the views and sounds of the Valley waking up. Then home, dry jac off and then its time for breakfast.

Mary Berry and a Perceptive Young Man

Yes a hero or should I say heroine of mine Mary Berry. (Never sure what is politically correct but then again that never really worried me).

I was waiting in the queue at Lidl's yesterday when I started chatting to a young Asian man in front of me. He had a pile of cleaning things on the conveyor belt.

I said,"You're going to be busy." Indicating his cleaning materials.
"Yes, Plenty to do."
After a moment he looked at my pile of ingredients and said,"You're going to be busy."
"Yes." I replied.
"You cook in the house?" He queried.
"Yes I do." Was, my response.
"Your wife she is a lucky woman!"
Yes thats exactly what I keep telling her!

Moreton in Marsh

I  mentioned the other day about my internet profile as a result of marketing my website and my blog. As an example yesterday I was contacted by Moreton in Marsh Council who wished to use an image of mine on their facebook page. The picture above is one of the Redesdale Hall Moreton in Marsh I did a couple of years ago when there. Of course I had no objection and have had similar requests over the years.

I was also contacted by a gentleman who wished permission to use a web image of one of my paintings for a number of cards for a small fee.

Getting yourself a presence is in my opinion essential to marketing your work. By blogging daily and updating/maintaining my website (although not as much as I should ) I have somehow managed this without resorting to offers of SEO.....etc.

Easel

Seems it is a bit wet in the valley today with the river breaking its banks. Thsi was the view at 7.30am. Jac and I stopped on the way down to watch a lone buzzard riding the thermals off the hill.

I took my portable Jullian Classic easel apart yesterday and made a new lower support for it to raise the canvas or board another 5 inches.  I took off the original and removed half of it before returning it for structural support.

This still gives a comfortable working height and room for a board at least 14 inches high which is ample.

The other issues with it are a work in progress. Much can be done weight wise by minimising the contents of the box and replacing glass by plastic etc.

Link 

Ferryside from Llansteffan Beach

Here is another commission I have finished. It shows Ferryside across the Towy from Llansteffan Beach.

I have been pretty busy the last couple of months with commissions maybe it will ease off a bit now?

I note I have only 4 thousand something views of my google images to pass one million views. No great thing in itself but my Internet presence has kept me going with work around the country and the rest of the world. So although the internet can be a bit of a pain to someone who would rather read a book it has been a very effective marketing tool (to date anyway!).

Alex is busy mounting prints and cards currently. I am now carefully examining my Jullian easel and measuring weighing and making new parts.

Rhossili Sunset

Here is one of the commissions I have been working on of a sunset at Rhossili. I have one more commission to finish at present.

I am now planning for next year and my outside work. I have several options in terms of equipment and none are ideal. I have a pochade box and tripod which work ok but only for small canvases or boards. I have a Julian Easel which is heavy but portable and can taken larger canvas or boards but is not the right height (ie. maximum height is not high enough). I am over 6ft and Iike the middle of my work to be at eye height. Standing painting all day with a stoop is a good recipe for a bad back.
The Jullian is a good design but obviously designed for smaller artists than me.

I could take a seperate easel or make another pochade box to fit on a photographic easel. I could also alter my Jullian Easel. There is no ideal answer everything is a compromise and I am starting to weigh items and consider the best options.

Christmas Window Origin

The painting I did for the Origin Christmas Window was put up yesterday. They have done a great job making a set for a fireside setting with armchair, chimney breast, tree, presents, and the outside scene through the window. Don't take my word for it have a look if you are in King Street, Carmarthen.

Talking of sets (yes you heard me right), one of our nephews is a very talented award winning set designer. He went to Cardiff and studied art and design and is now travelling around the world designing the sets for London and Broadway plays. A note for budding artists a practical outcome is always a helpful aim if you are wanting to make a good living from your creativity. Of course many people just wish to be creative for the sake of it which is fine too.

What a wonderful World

Well this morning was wet and miserable but nevertheless it was as always, worth it. Getting up before 7am and climbing up throught the woods and then plugging through the sodden fields gives you a view to start the day. Even if it does mean fighting the fields to retain your wellingtons. Since the cows have decided they don't like Jac I refrain from going through the fields with him if they are out.
The last few weeks however have been so wet they are in all the time, a result!

Anyway walking down Penlanffoss you get the view over the valley. Even when it is shrouded in mist it is worth standing and watching, listening. The water of the Towy breaking its banks spilling over the fields at Green Castle Corner. The mist hugging Merlin's Hill. The red light standing bright over Police Headquarters. The sounds of the blackbirds down in Bluebell Woods.

Anyhow nuff of this must get on I have a commission to finish.

Link  As you say it Louis

Studio v. Plein Air

For the most part I work in the studio. There are good practical reasons for this. I generally work off sketches or a  photograph if necessary. I occasionally work outside, "en plein air" but not as much as I should.

There is a huge difference in painting inside to painting on site.

Firstly to paint from nature you have to simplify the scene before you. In the studio this has already been done by making a 2d image either a sketch or photograph.
Secondly you have to work very quickly because the light is continually changing. This is obviously not the case when working from a photograph.
Thirdly you are working with a minimum of materials with nature to contend with (wind, cold,rain etc.).
Different working methods are required when working en plein air. Large brushes to work quickly and in my case generally no preliminary drawing. Detail also moves back a place to become subservient to the general theme of the painting.

I have decided that I have been neglecting this part of my work and next year I have booked no exhibitions and fully intend to spend more of my time working outdoors from nature.
I will still do some work in the studio ie. for commissions etc.

Talking of which I must get back to work on one and I have another waiting.

Tenby

The walk over the top this morning before breakfast was nothing like the above. Jac and I disappeared in to the mist and came down looking over a damp dark Towy Valley.

I have a new commission to start today. First job is to sort out a good primed board of the right size.
Time is short so I can't afford to mess about. Paintings dry a bit slower this time of the year and Christmas is coming.

Irish Sail Training Vessel

I post this for Dai Rees. It is the sail training vessel Dunbrody a replica of the ship that took Irish emigrants to Nova Scotia. The painting sold a few years ago.

I mentioned to our son the other day when he was on about coffee. I have never had a Latte or an Americana or any other form of the drink that is supplied in cardboard cartons these days. There are quite a few things I haven't done. I have never been to the Ballet despite having been to St Petersburg.
I have  never watched the Sound of Music I started to watch Les Miserables and gave up.

On the other hand I have done pretty much all I have wanted to do many I wouldn't repeat. I have gone scuba diving, jumped from a bi-plan having climbed out on the wing, sailed in the arctic, motorcycled over Europe,  and many other things so not much of a bucket list left  really.

I am content painting and learning the piano and watching the grandchildren grow up. (Sorry one  too many ands there.). Talking of which I have the grandchildren to pick up today.

My exhibition in Origin finishes on 5pm on Thursday so if you want to get a look please be quick. I will have a selection of paintings left there afterwards and I can be contacted through my email in any case. One of the 35 + paintings on display.

Carmarthen

Well it was a while ago that I painted the above but as I had a good walk passed the Towy this morning I thought it was worth putting up again.

Last night I went to clean my teeth and noticed Mrs Cox had bought a new tube of toothpaste. I put some on the brush and started to lean my teeth...ugh ah.
"Alex what is this toothpaste?"I asked.
"You fool its a tube of make up remover!"Was the reply.
I didn't say but thought, "Well why put it where the toothpaste normally goes?" Anyway I don't recommend it.

Got to just pop in and relieve someone in the Origin Gallery for a couple of hours now.

Winters Day

I have now pretty much finished the above painting. There was really good light today which was heaven sent.

Nice to see the lone goosander back on the reservoir again this morning. Now I know its winter, that and the fact that I wore gloves to go to the rugby last night.

Winter Towy Valley and Merlins Hill

I have had a good days painting today I have really got on with my current commission adn should finish it tomorrow all being well. The painting above is of the Towy Valley with Merlins Hill in the background and is sold. Seems appropriate as there is a bit of a nip in the air today.

Stannier Black Five

This is a painting of  a Black Five Stannier crossing the Bascule Bridge at Carmarthen. It is an old painting and is sold.

I have had an interesting week one way and another but still no painting. I must get on tomorrow unless the fates have another trick to play.                                    

St. Peters Church Carmarthen

Now I am not a spiritual type of person but I do like painting and visiting old buildings and churches. They tend to be the centre of towns and villages and provide a good landmark in a landscape. All that said there are times when I can feel an inner peace, (like when the grandchildren go home).

Which reminds me I went to the Leisure Centre yesterday with my charge (two year old grandson) and paid the £2 for the soft play room. I then said to the girl on the desk,
"I will be back in an hour for him then. Here's his bag." And turned to walk away.
"NO,"cried the girl slightly panicking, "You have to stay with him, I can't look after him."
"Yes I know, sorry only joking." I replied with a smile. He was very good all afternoon to be fair to him.

The church above is St. Peters in Carmarthen. I have done a few views of it over the years.

Alex unlike me is very spiritual although I have to be careful what I say as she doesn't like me jesting about it. She is currently doing her Master Reiki Curse or is it Course. I think it involves levitation or some such thing. Maybe its just paper folding. Perhaps enough said or I won't be getting a visit from Santa or at any rate Mrs Claus this Christmas.

biblical link here

Next

Here is how it should be Alex showing her grandmaternal skills. Not a grandfather in sight.

Oh Well

Somedays its like all your birthdays have come at once. Those over a hundred anyway. I had planned to start a commission today. But no. Ah a late arrival 24 months old to look after for the day. Now don't get me wrong I love families and children with all the "challenges they bring". In fact for the most part I see the one main measure of success as how people interact with others including how they bring up their family. But oh God why can't children be like ponies or other animals born ready to walk and just behave like little people. I get on okay with children (I think), that can talk say 4 -5 yrs. upwards but below that its is just a matter of heartstopping terror.

To make matters worse Alex has already made arrangements for this afternoon. What do I do on a wet afternoon with a very busy 2 year old. I think soft play at the Leaisure Centre is favourite if we don't get thrown out because he is destroying the place.

Spare a thought for a man getting a lot more grey hairs today.

Link

Just found out Jonah Lomu has died. Great Man, Great sporstman.

Druidstone

Alex and I love this part of the Pambrokeshire Coast.  I know David Cowdry is very fond of it too.
We spent a windswept night anchored under cliffs at Carreg Roads one night as an Easterly Gale blew across St Brides Bay.

Now I am content to look out to sea and paint the bays and coves. I have a commission to start tomorrow.

Cows

Another wet day no sign of the cattle on our walk probably in the barn . I had one of those days yesterday I kept losing things as soon as I put something down it fell into a black hole. I still haven't found the USB I use to transfer photographs of my paintings from the old to the new computer. ( I have old imaging and website software on the old machine that is not compatible with the new one).

Alex says I am getting impatient. Just shows what she knows I have always been impatient! That explains why I can't work on committees. I don't want to talk about things I want to get on and do them.

Christmas Window

Okay well I have now finshed my painting for the Origin Display Christmas Window. I had a heck of a job photographing it due to its size and the poor light.  I had considerd doing Santa and the reindeer in silouette as it would be much easier and quicker but in the end decided to take my time and do it properly. Anyway it's done.

College of Policing

You couldn't make it up if you tried. I rarely comment about policing but on this occasion I felt I had to. I hear on the news today that the College of Policing say all police officers should be graduates and Superintendents should have a masters.

In my view there are definite qualities and skills police officer should have:

A degree yes a degree of common sense and compassion.

The desire to undertake the job for forty years and be out in all weathers 

The ability to take the abuse and bric bats and smile

And yes a good general knowledge  

By requiring police officers to be graduates you immediately reduce the pool of people who would wish to do this demanding role. You also raise the expectations of those joining. Not every graduate is going to rise through the ranks and find a comfortable office out of the cold to drink their latte.

What evidence they have or what research has been undertaken to arrive at this conclusion I don't know. 

To be honest I confess I don't have a great deal of time for academics in the police service.

I spent 6 weeks on one course at the Police College. I was forthright in my views of the course and the staff. I challenged them on their punctuality, tardiness, unpreparedness for lectures and their relevance. I felt it was a complete waste of my time and a huge waste of public money. Suffice to say I didn't receive a good report from them. Obviously this affected my prospects. My Chief Constable held the same view of them as me and promoted me 6 weeks after the course.

Christmas Window Origin

I have been working on something a bit different the last two days. I have been doing the backdrop for the Christmas Window in Origin, Carmarthen. It is on a 4ft x 4ft board with supports. That is the maximum size I can put on my easels. I have done larger but it means working flat and I prefer not to.

Also due to size and cost of paint I am using acrylics for the first time  in at least 10 years. I did a quick sketch.

From that I just went for it. I have the Santa and Sleigh to do along with the stars and a bit more detail. I moved the church as I wanted the windows showing.  The window itself should be really good as usual and the ladies doing it are all very creative. Anyway I am packing and moving paintings for the next 2 days so I will have to finish it over the next week.

Link Crystals

Here Comes the Sun

A nice summer scene now the days are getting shorter. That being said it was the warmest November night on record and Alex put the heating on! Its not even February yet. I don't know what the seagulls are after but I can assure you they follow the hay tedder.

I had a nice morning in the gallery the other day. I had a chat with Pat who stuck her head in the gallery a good start the day. Nick and Fiona waved as they passed. One of our old friends Tony popped in to pass the time.

 Jeremy John called in. Now Jeremy is a real character. He is involved in everything the fishing, the Gwili Railway you name it. Anyway he was telling me he was once asked to judge a painting competition. Which he did but considered it amusing as his only qualification was that he won five shillings at school for drawing a goldfinch, which he had actually drawn using government tracing paper (hard toilet roll).

To be honest he was probably more qualified then many emminent academics. I personally have never entered a painting competition. I was once tempted when asked by the organisers of the Bath Plein Aire Competition. I was tempted by the event itself as opposed to money fame or glory but in the end decided it was a Severn Bridge too Far.

Link Beatles

Exhibition of Paintings in Origin Carmarthen

Just a note to say I will be having an exhibition of Paintings in the Upstairs Gallery,  Origin, King Street , Carmarthen for 2 weeks starting Friday Afternoon (13th November). This will last until 5pm on Thursday 26th November 2015.

Chumbawamba

The painting of an Austin 7 above, was relegated to the scrapyard earlier this year having not found a home. We used to have a 1930 Lanchester when I was a boy which took us on trips to Cornwall and the Cotswolds. It eventually gave up the ghost and we upgraded to a Ford Popular.

Last night Jac and I had a bit of a scare as we heard a very load bang and discovered Mrs Cox had decided to throw herself down the stairs. We found her in a heap shocked and bruised but otherwise fortunately alright. Old people eh! She shouldn't be allowed out. Whats more she hadn't had a drop to drink, honestly!

Today I am in the Origin Gallery in King Street, Carmarthen.

Chumbawamba

Trains planes or automobiles

My next painting is probably going to be one of : Trains planes or automobiles! No real reason just fancy a change. The one above is from my past, the bus I used to get from Town when I would often meet my late father in Union Street.

This morning's walk was wet and windy. In fact I really enjoyed it. I had bought a new pair  of wellingtons (the old pair had a hole in them and there is nothing as useless as wellies with a hole, well actually there is but I will refrain from listing them all), I was wrapped up in my coat which is over 10 years old and will hopefully last another 10. I had my hat pulled firmly down on my head. I felt like Christopher Robin splashing through the little rivers that had formed on what were paths yesterday.

The last two days have been spent battling the kitchen sink. I thought for what appeared good reasons at the time that we should change the mixer tap. A twenty minute job. Now Alex and I are both okay with plumbing having fitted bathrooms and kitchens before. However this was a two day battle. The sink wouldn't come out as a double glazed window and sill had been put in after the sink unit. We had to disassemble the unit and then when it was all back together there was a minute leak because one of the pipes had a slight dent near the join. Repeat process and then fit new pipe in impossible place..etc, etc. Job done back to sanity , I think.

No the new mixer tap is leaking at he base of the spout!

Red Poppy

Remembrance Sunday is approaching and both of us are wearing our poppies. I have been incredibly lucky to have missed two World Wars and the nightmares that were involved for the millions who did suffer.

On a personal note my Grandfather who's paint box I still retain made it through the trenches safely. His brother Alec shown above came home from the War having being gassed with mustard gas. He died shortly after as a result of his injuries. His wife died shortly after him leaving a young daughter.
My other great uncle died during the Boer War.

My father was in the Royal Air Force during the second World War and came through unscathed.

Anyway I wear my Poppy as a matter of respect to those who gave so much to keep us free.