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Issue 83 Autumn 2021 - Anniversary Edition
YOUR LETTERS
Dear All
You might have thought that with all this newfound time locked away at home, courtesy of Covid-19, with little to occupy our time someone would have found time to write to me but its not to be it seems. I do understand that writing to someone who is essentially unknown to you is probably not the most exciting thing but I assure you together we have trod the hallways and landings of many HMPs and getting news of and from people whose names we know are interesting to all of us. There are many regular contributors to the newsletter who pen really good and lengthy tomes about their various experiences but these are not for the letters page. I know that the letters page interests you because you are here reading this so go get your pen or keyboard and drop me a line about what you are doing now. Meanwhile, my pal Bob has sent his usual note for which I am extremely grateful, please see below:
ROGER OUTRAM
'The Virus would appear to have caused communications to dry up, together with the fact that fewer old stalwarts remain with us as each year goes by. This, unfortunately, includes Margery Marchant, who I have known for over 50 years. We were all at Dover Borstal together with John and Jean Childs, and Alan Rawson, all of us kept in touch; as did the McGowan’s but their association was from Guys Marsh. Bernard Marchant could appear a little distant at times, but there was no disputing his commitment, neither his dedication nor his genuine concern for those in his charge. Margery was also very able in her own right and along with the Governor’s wife and my wife to be, all taught at the local Grammar School. Margery and Bernard were devoted to each other and Margery totally supported Bernard in all he did both in the Service and retirement. They were also devoted to their children and their development. Bernard had also served as Governor of Pentonville and the Governor's quarter the backed on to the prison, so Margery was well informed of all that went on. Margery would probably phone me every other month, either enquire why the Newsletter was late, or just for a chat. She never tired of reminiscing about ‘the Service in its heyday’. She nursed Bernard at home until he passed away, and then later moved to the Care Home. She always said how happy she was there and that she was well looked after. One always sensed that life was never the same for after Bernard died, and some of her old spirit declined. I will miss her dearly; she just loved to talk about the Service and the wonderful people with whom we all worked.
I have been in touch with Tim Newell, he sees John Dring each week; he is getting weaker but remains remarkably positive and has arranged to be able to meet people, enjoy family and friends and keep in touch in touch with his beloved opera. We even shared a bottle of beer recently. Tim also often thinks about Alan Rawson, and agrees with that he would have challenged all the limitations of the lockdown, and would have been most upset about the closing of pubs! A letter from John is reproduced at the foot of this piece.
It reminded me how much I also miss opera, when in London I could go to Covent Garden, and in Yorkshire, Opera North was brilliant and was based at The Grand Theatre, Leeds, where they put on splendid productions at a very good price. Kent is not so good, but the Marlow does have a number of productions, but more infrequent.
On my 80th Birthday, I received a good number of best wishes from colleagues, all of whom I thank. I had meant to keep them all so I could refer to them. Alas at my age you do not want to be reminded too much of the passing years. The one that stood out as it was not expected was from the French residing geriatric hairy biker himself, Kevin Brewer.
I do not really understand Facebook, but receive quite a lot of communications for which I am grateful as it means a colleague is still amongst us. Walter MacGowan places quite a lot on it including some lovely countryside scenes, as well as the number of paces he visits. I was touched to see his shots of the Menin Gate scenes from Ypres in Belgium on Remembrance Day. It is both a fitting memorial and a wonderful service on the day, for all those who gave so much. It is a place that touches your heart deeply. It must never be lost or forgotten. It is very comforting to have some else who feels as deeply about as I do. Thanks Walter. He also shares a good number of his drinks and his meals; I could almost tell you a whole month’s menu! He travels a lot and clearly lives life to the full, and remarkably looks very well on it. The last time I saw him was at Bernard Marchants’ funeral. Deep down Walter is a very kind and deeply caring person.
Good to hear that Paul Wailen has completed his series of chemotherapy sessions and the initial results are very positive. He is awaiting the consultant’s final analysis of the scans they took, but all looks well. He has booked a holiday in Greece for October, so let’s hope it remains off the list of the quarantine on return countries.
Turning to myself for once, we had a holiday booked for Croatia in October, but Shearings went into liquidation during the lockdown, and anyway it now joined the quarantine list. I will have to live to next year. We have been anxious about my grandson’s A level results. Great relief, he gained all A’s even before all the fuss over the downgrading spectacle. So he is now on his way so I understand it, to Cambridge to study Psychology, following in the footsteps of his parents but father studied Arabic, and his mother Arabic and Law.'
Bob
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Bob
Thank you for writing, it is very good to hear from you.
You asked me for news of my health for the magazine
In summary
In 2017 I was diagnosed with motor neurone disease which started when I lost the use of my arms.
I am taking a drug proven to slow it down a few months and three years later I am still managing to walk a few hundred metres with lots of rest on my walker. I now have carers arranged but more significantly I have got married and my wonderful wife, Midori has said that she is standing by me whatever happens. Also, my kids have been brilliant and most supportive as have my Stepdaughters and many other friends like Tim Newell, Mike O Sullivan, BryanPayling, Richard Tilt, Tony Pearson, John Cann and Alasdair Munro.
I am still managing to play bridge online twice a week and eat a little porridge. I can talk at the moment but I can feel the speech is going. However, with the help of the excellent motor neuron disease Association, I have banked my voice for when I become like professor Stephen Hawking.
Overall I think I am very privileged to have such wonderful support and comparatively comfortable life compared with many of the 5000 other people in this country who have this awful disease.
Please give my good wishes to all l my other good friends in the service, I still watch developments very closely.
With very best wishes
Still buggering on!
John Dring
Please send Letters to: Roger Outram, 12 Grove Park, Magazine Lane, Wisbech, PE13 1LF
E-mail: roger@rsoutram.co.uk
Other contact: Telephone 01945 582624
