Lovely to be together to celebrate younger bro Paul’s Birthday which is at the end of the week but he flew to Rome today producing the the RIDERS CUP ! It’s big in the Golf world ! how different can we be lol !
the Food was excellent at the Fox IN CRAWLEY 5 mins from where I live …
So lovely to see Janet out and bless our dear mum who’s been a little under the weather looking so much better …. so it was lovely x
Finally we are heading back to the GENERATION DANCE CLASSES !
Its been a while since our last class in June .. so it will be great to see all in class ….
there will be just a empty seat ….. x
I sit on the veranda on my last evening here at the villa at LA ROQUETTE SUR SIOGNE about 10 klm from Cannes and 4 from Mougin just watching the sun go down , the weather has been been amazing apart from this afternoon when i thought it was going to storm … but it moved by and now the clouds echo the sunset with its warm red glow … I have had a lovely time here all to the thanks of Reece and Danny close friends who joined me for 6 glorious days ! Cannes has a very special place in my heart going back to 1980 when i came here with Dougie and the 2nd Generation where we performed all summer at the Palm Beach casino and the following years up to 1990. from dancing to choreographing the shows here .. we loved our time here and it was Dougie’s favourite place .. so its been a fitting tribute to him that we came here i felt he has been with me on this journey …Reece sorted a villa with a pool which has been heaven … I have loved that and the villa has been okay in a very typical old French village so going into the town square which is tiny has been fun. there is a new complex here with a small super market, but by the church there is a tabac serving coffees and next door a bakery that was only open today while i have been here … thank god is all i can say i would have been rolled out of France otherwise ! So tried to show Reece and Danny a flavour of the south of France
Also with a splash of chilling around the pool ! My first days here I was alone so got a feel of where we are etc got a shop in so we were ready to go, I went to Mougin lovely memories for me so i was quite emotional but not as bad as when i drove into Cannes walked around the yachts as it was the yachting festival.. amazing the boats , yachts of today .. and the stunning sunset … Saw Palm Beach which is having millions spent on it as it will be a huge glamorous resort it made my tummy go …. then the whole of croisette down to the old Town where I ate in the square fab … … then back down the Rue Antibes Still had all the magic and glamour that I love about Cannes .the next day I pottered about enjoying the weather and the pool , and getting ready for Reece and Danny to arrive … that all went well apart from the journey back from the airport was harsh nearly at Monte Carlo before e we could get on the A8 due to rd works , so that was a hellish journey .. especially Reeces fear of my driving didnt help ! but we eventually got back to the villa … A chilled day for them to relax by the pool we had a breakfast then messed about with the inflatables … i served lunch then will chilled before going to Cannes in the evening we got a biot in which was great but then we did a walk fine for me but Reece and Danny were not amused also a lot of the bars had closed etc so we walked from Palm beach right down to the Crosiette where i was desperate to find us something to eat !! as they were starving and thirsty at this point ….. the meal was okay the we walked a little further much to there horror to the square nearly at the old town for drinks which was nice , then walked to another bar before getting a biot back …
so it was a tiring day for them … next day breakfast then drive to Monte Carlo .. the journey there was okay and it was to see got here the buildings and constructions is unreal , but we got to have a drink out side the Casino at the cafe de Paris and walk around Monte … could we get a sani no !!!! so the thought was to find somewhere on the way back … well that didnt turn out as planned i didnt take the A8 i drove up to EZE not a good idea … as it was the coast rd home to the villa bad traffic didnt help and drove the whole of Nice sea front … my passengers were not impressed … and we didnt get a sani !!! in the evening we went to Mougin for a walk about and dinner which was nice then a drink at the villa … POOL day next day which was fun by the pool .. the in evening went to juan les pins … not as lively as I remember But had a nice meal on the beach and went to a few of the bars for drinks which was nice .
Sunday back at the pool topping up our tans the old town in cannes in the evening which they really liked and we eat at the LA PIZZA oh the memories and great pizzas .. and few bars for drinks before coming back . sea faring legs for the next day we had booked sailing Yacht drove to Theoule sur mer nice drive and pretty coastal village had a nice brunch before getting on the sail boat … it was a lovely afternoon we sailed along the bay of Cannes to set anchor between the islands Sainte Marguerite and Abbey Learins where we used set anchor with Claude ‘s boat back in the day … it was such a lovely afternoon. a lot of fun .. we set sail back with the sails and it was a bumpy ride and lots of listing but we all throughly enjoyed it .. that even ng we went to local village Mouans Sartoux another quant french village for dinner before heading home … the guys last morning a quick swim before heading off to Nice to fly home … I was very sad ti see them go as they were a great comfort and great company to be with …. so after they left i drove to Antibes then on to cannes another walk about before heading back to the Villa … oh so quiet with out them here ….
so today i went to local village which was lovely as they had a market in the square which was typically french LOVED IT .. drove to Pagomas another r sweet village a great restaurant L’ Ecluse .. before coming back too the villa for my last sunshine at the villa , nearly a storm but it passed by… sat did did some work up loaded photos on Fb and generally just pottered about before packing for my journey home tomorrow
merci beaucoup Dearest South of France xxx
IT is now over 3 months since Dearest Dougie Passed, one minute it feels like yesterday and then it also feels so long ago..I miss him very much , he was my life for a long time … so the new way of living takes some getting used to …but I am trying and with the best positive outlook I can give … its been emotional time
Reflecting what we shared to gather has been very special indeed, how very lucky I have been to have been loved by some one who is so incredible … he may of got the OBE and MVO… HE needed the NOBEL PEACE AWARD for putting up with me xxx
So moving forward have given myself tasks …not to shut off completely from the outside world … so easy to want and do, but have made a pact to myself to go and do things … so this past month had a fabulous night with the old gang of Dougie’s dancers to Jo Alans … went to Regents park open theatre with dear friend Geoff Pine , we had a wonderful hamper before the show LA CAGE ! Oh did we get rained on… lol actually hysterical haha… have visited my sister Janet and my dear mum a few times and seen my bro Paul when he is at his cottage which is in the next village which has been lovely… visits form JACKS and Trevor a very nice lunch great to see them. Also went for tea a treat from Reece and Danny at Oakley Court near whitchurch great cakes ! kept very busy with the cottage as the thatchers were in refurbing the top part of the thatch .. looks great now but oh the mess … haha worked on things inside the cottage and had the ramp taken down and steps put back .. and of course endless hours pottering in the garden and tending his lord ships resting place … Also started working again… and its busy too which has been great medicine i work better with a little stress so things moving along … and tomorrow off on a another adventure going on Hol to the South of France just out side Cannes ( our favourite place ) to re visit old haunts and memories and make new ones … I going for a couple of days on my own then dear friends Reece and Danny come for 6 days then on my own again for a few more so that will be just the best tonic !
IT was a little last minute to join Reece and Danny and the CAMPBELL CLAN on their summer holidays to Malta ,where another friend whom I have known for years Maz who actually comes from Malta .. Maz and Reece work together not only at Winnie Tree but the Spen Dyke pub in Blackpool … I have known Maz since I first went to work at Pleasure Beach back in 1995…. it was my first trip alone …. but with friends made it a lot easier … the hospitality of Maz’s Maltase family was amazing so very generous kind and all crazy .. thats where she gets it from … she is mild hahah … and the Campbell’s are always ;lovely to be with .. Reece organised everything he did a great job… because i think Reece has been about 9 times he is very comfortable with where knowing to go etc so i took a back seat and went along for the ride …
I cannot lie i did find it very difficult at the begining of the week …..just missing Dougie being with me ….
i was looking out for ramps and toilets for his chair which got to me ..and all being in couples one feels slightly sad …. I reflected a lot on how we shared our lives together … some of the views were so beautiful just a shame not to share then with him…. he would have loved it … but I carried his spirit in my heart ..
I hope I wasn’t too much of a downer on everyone … think I may of been to Reece , bless him. … I didnt harper on kept it to myself which was hard ….I sound all gloom and doom but I did have some fun… and too many drinks on one night but was rounded off with B52 ‘s…. Hotel was average served its purpose …. If i went again would stay in a better hotel ….but it was made very special by the festival of the Holy Virgin Mary etc it was like being in a Italian movie .
The Maltese family were as I said very generous and kind fab food, drink and funny they are all crazy .. they have so much love with each other, so it was very nice the real Malta . I know that is one of the reasons Reece enjoys it so much there . Knowing where to go where to eat drink and be merry ….
Went to too some lovely beaches especially Cafe de resort stylish great food and full of beautiful people … the guy in white briefs caused a bit of a stir … Oh to be young again… was I the oldest person there oh no…..
A highlight was a day on a boat with the Campbell Clan and the Maltese so about 40 people … going to lovely bays jumping in swimming around the lagoons .. to much food and drink , the kids had the most amazing time . we went to and Loved Midina…such a beautiful place had a very nice meal there …
it all went so quick so fab to see the sun…. and my goodness it was warm just so perfect
so thanks for the memories to cherish xxxx
SO since Dougie’s celebration i have managed to try and keep busy …. had a lovely day out with my Mum to Portsmouth at Gun wharf with one of my favourites Mussels …. coffee’s with bruv Paul , A trip to Blackpool to see Reece, Danny and the girls and Campbell family … which was lovely … a great tonic , went to some great places to eat … and drink ! finally met the legend of Forrest such a fun girl … but Terry Campbells Yorkshire puddings takes some beating! had a horrendous journey home 8 hours !!
On way back went to see WILKES ACADEMY year end show which was excellent ….
Joan,Sophie ,Lynda and Donna came down for lunch which was so nice of them , a few Sunday lunches with Lady Emma which was delicious …. and great gossip… A few coffee trips to WInchester … Oh and a A&E Visit, but thats okay now … plenty of gardening walking and PAPERWORK !!!!! and just booked a a quick hot to Malta next week !!!
The past weeks have become a blur of emotions ….. I miss him so much … trying to be as positive as possible in this new way of life …. I have had tremendous support from family and friends full of love care and comfort how lucky I have been …. as it has got me through this time ….. some sent me this which is so true …MISSED YOU TODAY
I missed you today but that's nothing new, I missed you a million times yesterday too.
I picked up my phone to tell you the news, then realised, again, I can't text it to you.
I saw your bright smile, at least twenty times, and then I remember, it's all in my mind.
I drive without presence, the world feels surreal, And on comes your song and this doesn't seem real.
I missed you today but I miss you a lot, It's helpful to miss you, it's all that l've got.
I wish I could pull you down here for a while I'm frightened to lose the shape of your smile.
I miss you today and I'll miss you tomorrow, There seems to be no coming end to this sorrow.
I try to go on as I know that you care, I know that you're willing me on from up there.
I miss you today but I'm trying to find, A way to move on but not leave you behind.
A way to forge on with the love that we had, A way to recall you and simply feel...glad.
Donna Ashworth
A special class with a service for the Generation family at Dance Attic for dearest Dougie
The service was taken by the fabulous talented Lisa Hull, Which would of meant the world to Dougie as he loved her and her talent.. the studio was filled with love with the Generation family of Dancers
Lisa did a beautiful welcome , LIsa Lee read a poem Dougie loved, Alan Harding gave a lovely tribute , then Lacey, Trev and Rosita gave a touching stories, I then had the courage to read Jeff Thackers letter and read my letter to Dougie …. we played music from Cinema Paradiso, Were the Second Generation , Barbara Cook Til there was you , for forever from Dear Evan Hanson and Peter Alan’s Love don’t need a reason.
it was all so touching … Keeley Scott brought bubbles to raise a toast, how lovely was that .. after all of this it was time to dance …. so we did in honour of Dougie xxxx
A beautiful day for the celebration of Dougie In our village of Wherwell at St Peter and Holy Cross
Words can't describe how I am feeling for all of the love for Dougie ... It was a touching service with heart felt readings and tributes singing and music I know in my heart he would of loved it...As I did....
We did it for him the very special man that he is ..
The service was quite like no other, lead by the amazing Rev Jax
she has been wonderful strength to both Dougie and myself in these past months, it was such a honour that she took the service, she captivated everyone, touched everybody's hearts
which made it a joyous celebration ...
My heart of thanks to Lisa Lee, Simon Gorge, Su Pollard, Billy Differ, Robert Meadmore, Justin Pearson and Major General Simon Brooks Ward CVO CBE TD VR, for all the readings music and tributes Luke Batchlor Simon Hall of Projected Image
Huge thanks for all the support and kindness from the village of Wherwell, the village Hall and St Peter and Holy Cross, Catering by the Chilbolton Village shop Nicky and her team, flowers by The Garden Inn Stockbridge, Richard Steels of Winchester
and Bobby Warrens
My personal thanks to Reece Campbell for being the most amazing friend to both Dougie and I, he kept his word to Dougie and more ... in every thing and helping organising this day
Danny jones, Don and Terry Campbell my neighbour Ali, jill Bower my bruv Paul for the love and help..
It was such a special day one for the memory bank.... we did a memory picture reel that everybody wanted a copy so we thought we share this with you of the one and only Dougie.
GENERATION DANCE CLASS 18TH OF JUNE AT DANCE ATTIC …
WE WILL BE HOLDING A SERVICE IN HONOUR OF DOUGIE BEFORE THE CLASS
These past few weeks have been very difficult … being as positive as i can
I have wonderful memories and I know he is with me …. he will always be with me …
there was always some thing we shared …. the beautiful things … i will continue to share with him ….
During the time I spent at Dougie’s bedside the show must go on ….
““Thats what friends are for” took on a new meaning Reece and Danny ran the event for me
Dougie would ask each day had it gone well bless him …. so proud and thankful of Reece a very special friend x
Dougie was admitted to hospital on the 7th of May to Basingstoke where the news wasn’t great…..
The care he had was incredible , the staff were so kind and caring looking after us both The following Monday he was transferred to the Countess of Brecnock in Andover where it was beautiful and peaceful and amamxzing care kindness, support from friends was heart felt … I will be always so grateful for the wonderful people, care and love shown to us both
Dougie sadly passed away in my arms on the 21st of May around 9.40 pm it as serine and beautiful
I am heart broken ….. He is my everything …… He died peacefully and in no pain i sat with him and played music a memory I will hold for ever he looked so at peace …..very touching he waited for me to be there
such a incredible man that i have been so lucky to have shared 45 glorious years together , as he said its been AMAZING… HIS LAST WORDS TO ME WERE I LOVE YOU XXXX how incredable is that ….
I will have strength to get through this from him … Im lost without him
The out pouring of LOVE to Dougie has been so overwhelming over 2500 messages cards and flowers
he meant so much to so many people its all been so comforting ….. it all seems a blur since his passing but friends have rallied around my dear friends Reece and Danny with Molly and Bailey came down as soon as they returned to UK Reece was devistated that he was not here for his passing , and it helped me a great deal
with them being here and helping with the next stages …
The funeral is on the 15th of June at St peters and Holy Cross In our Wherwell village invitation only
so preparations are under way for the hopefully a beautiful day for my Dougie
I miss him so much ….xxxx
WE spent the day watching this incredible day in the comfort of home , enjoying the coverage and had a lovely time together …. one I will always cherish xx
MEMORIES …. this week received photos from my childhood from Jennifer Hayley ….
Our dancing school Butler Horner with our beloved miss Mavis used to go to Butlins for the world dance championships .. All the families used to go … the antics at Filey are fond fond memories to us all Mums dads and brothers who didnt dance all came along for the glorious fun we all had at BUTLINS Filey but what made it so special that no holiday dance championships would of been the same with out the one and only Maureen Flenley who captured our childhood in photographs and film and friend to us all Nome who worked at Equity … I have visions of my Dad clowning about with uncle Nob such fond heart felt memories and the mums doing the tap troupe and solos of their daughter modern dance solos and even being the daffodil girls from the film STAR …
but this particular year I must of been about 7 years old , not so many families went as it was changed to PWELLELI in North Wales , BEAUTIFUL SCENERY …. but it was all planned by Maureen and Nome to do our version of the Sound of Music on cInny film … PRODUCED /DIRECTED /FILMED /STARRED IN BY maureen and Nome with all of us being the von traps children … it was taken so serious ….
That little boy me… took it as it was for real and thinking I was in the movie for real by the look on my face … I have copies of the film but have never seen these pics before …. HAPPY DAYS
18th of APRIL at the GUARD’S CHAPEL Wellington Barracks it was the Thanksgiving service for Michael
A beautiful service in honour of such a wonderful man that I was truly lucky to have known him and to work on such amazing events that hold a special place in my heart , its still hard to believe he is not here
Emma and Oli and Rebecca did you proud it was a MJP production …. Just how he of would of loved it …
lovely to see friends all coming along to show their respects ..
I visit his grave as he is buried at ST Peters in Wherwell and have planted little flowers and always pop a fresh bunch of flowers …. Thanks for all the wonderful memories xxx
Another class at Dance Attic with the Generation family …
its always such a pleasure to be with them all … it was good fun !
I love it when a memory comes on fb that was so special ……
GETTING THE COSTUMES UNDERWAY FOR WINDSOR !!!
Hard to believe that WEI had passed 24 years ago… bless we miss her … she would be so proud of Nancy and Simon very special xx
