As you are all no doubt aware I have the unique position of being able to leave a message for you all in the event of my passing.

I have had a good life joining the army at the age of 17. I was stationed in Germany with the BAOR and upon my return to England I got married. Six months later I was called back to the army for the Suez Crisis in 1956.

After demob, I settled in the East End of London and raised my three children.
I moved to Milton Keynes in 1994, living in Great Linford and after the loss of my leg I moved to Neath Hill to a property, which was more accessible. I moved into my current home in 1996 and my happiest days have been spent at Almond Close Sheltered Housing Scheme. The friendships I have formed have been some of the best and I will truly miss all my neighbors and my warden, Karen, who has done so much for me over the past few years. She’s a brick and I love her to pieces.

In latter years, I have enjoyed the company of my many friends at the Royal British Legion in Newport Pagnell, Saturday evenings and Sunday lunchtimes especially.

To those who are here from the Royal Green Jackets & TA centre, I thank you all for the many grand nights we have spent together at the dinners having a great laugh and real good times. My wish is to have my ashes scattered where I was trained for the army, Karen, Linda and The Royal Green Jackets MK Branch have promised to organise this for me. SSSHHHHHHH. The get together after the cremation is to be held at the Roayal British Legion in Newport Pagnell. You are all welcome to attend. I really enjoy a good party! Sorry to miss it.So have a drink on my behalf at the Legion and raise a glass in my memory.

If I was standing here today, albeit on one leg, my smile would be evident and I would like to reassure you all that the world will go on as usual, that this service is nothing out of the ordinary and that, in fact, all is well with the world.

I love you all. Fred