Farewell Nev

Had a call from my old school mate and in later years, boozing buddy Andy a week or so ago.

He now lives in London and has a grown up family of his own. His dad Nev lived in Darlaston and I learned the sad news that he'd died.

The funeral is today and I can't attend. This lockdown and the restrictions, the funeral is now immediate family only. Even Nev's half sister Kate (a dear friend of mine), had her travel plans cancelled by the Canadian government, she lives in Vancouver.

I was talking to my pal Darlo Sue yesterday, who was also very close to Nev. We had a good laugh at some of the stories.

One of mine, which I reminded Andy of by text the other day.

We were in our teens, still at school and I'd discovered Osibisa. For those not in the know, this was a fusion of funky brass and hard African drums in fact, criss-cross Rhythms that explode with happiness.

Andy and I were enjoying some criss-cross rhythm at a somewhat high volume on his new stereo (stereos were new in 1972), when Nev politely poked his head round the door and asked if we might turn the volume down a bit as he couldn't hear the telly.

This sums Nev up pretty well, a mild mannered, exceptionally kind man.

So, amidst all this gloom and lockdown, the sun is shining and this is Nev's day. The day when we remember the laughs we had and for me the Sunday dinners, when Andy and I came back from the pub. He always made sure there was enough for an unexpected guest.