1997 may well go down in the annals of the Woodhurst family as the “year of the mirage” - now you see it, now you don’t! Well intentioned New Year resolutions were lovingly pursued until at least March, and then Old Father Time seemed to take off, leaving the Woodies in the slow lane.

            The highlight of our year was indeed Suzanne and Andy’s wedding on March 1st - St.David’s Day. We were blessed with a dry day, although the wind was a little blustery - consequently Suzanne soon abandoned her wedding veil in order to speed up the taking of their photographs, thereby preventing the guests from freezing to death. Suzanne and Andy were particularly happy that the Guides formed a Guard of Honour for them and that Rev. Peter Newell, our former minister, agreed to give the address at their wedding. We were delighted to be joined by nearly all of our family - [Cousin Daniel, Lydia & Warrick’s eldest son, was still away on his missionary service in Scotland, and could not be released] - as well as most of Andy’s family and many friends of both families and of the couple. They were given some wonderful gifts, but Suzanne can rightly say that the best gift was the one she gave to herself - the news received a week before the big day, confirming her as a fully qualified accountant! They left, two days after the wedding, for a honeymoon in Kenya. Since their return they have been busy renovating their home, and they can be justifiably proud of their achievements.

In September Suzanne took up a new appointment at Glaxo Wellcome in Dartford - I think that some of her colleagues were quite impressed when she had a telephone call from the Pensions Officer at Head Office (Uncle Sandy) on her first morning! Andy, meanwhile, continues to work for a Belgian bank and 1998 may be a year of change for him too.

             1997 was indeed a magic year for Douglas - the end of his university career … a period of time in his life which he regards as a necessity but with very little pleasure. Two very proud parents attended his graduation ceremony in July. He is, at present, working for Robert Fleming, the investment bankers, at Moorgate in the city. His enthusiasm for work is tempered in the knowledge that a monthly cheque enables him to enjoy a much livelier social life than a student grant allowed. As I write, efforts are going ahead to complete the re-decoration of his bedroom, so in a few weeks we should regain our second sitting room; or perhaps not, as Douglas and his lovely girlfriend, Gemma, need a private bolt hole, away from those people (especially Granpa!) who keep asking questions!

             Alan’s year has centred very much round the care of our old folks - as a family we are deeply indebted to him, he never moans but fetches and carries to hospital appointments, dental appointments, the doctors - to keep everyone stocked up with pills and potions, the day centre and respite care for Granny. In between he fits in his Baha’i activities, which are no mean undertaking, two days lecturing in Computer Studies at Cavendish College in London and being Personal Assistant to his wife, who is now in her 3rd and final year of the Training for Learning and Serving course (hopefully to become a Nationally Accredited Lay Preacher in July/August) - his duties include reading and typing essays, prayers and sermons … in order to facilitate the old girl’s visual defects, everything has to be presented in large bold type.

Granpa Greig is thankfully still functioning well from the neck upwards, although the pain, which at times racks his body, sometimes makes him out of sorts and tempers (or more honestly mine, Alan never loses his cool!) tend to become frayed. He is still managing in his own home with the weekly help of Deirdre, who does his cleaning, and some thoughtful neighbours who keep us posted if anything needs attention.

Granny Woodhurst now has carers who come in twice a day, a son who visits her daily and whenever, a weekly place at a day centre and regular periods of respite care at Hampden Lodge in Collier Row. Her memory is very confused, some days being better than others - she will celebrate her 86th birthday with us on Boxing Day.

            My big news is that I am starting a new job at the beginning of February, as a member of the Care Team at Little Haven Children’s Hospice in Rayleigh. This is something I have wanted to do for some time and to have been chosen as a member of the pioneer team is a great honour, and I’m sure a very great challenge. (But does this mean that I will be more organised next Christmas?)

             The cats - Coco and Charley - are still very much alive. Charley delivered a live mouse into the sitting room a few months ago, and any of you who know of my reaction to God’s wonderful creations ‘rodents’ will know how well that was received! This will, I know, reach you late, but it brings our sincere love and good wishes for a Happy Christmas and every success and good health in 1998.

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