Jill Sparrow

I will look out for you, Ben. I'll be the one dragging a quivering bloke into the day case unit. I suspect it will be like trying to get a dog through the door of the vet! Hernia repair. Surgeon has an excellent reputation. Takes 45 minutes. Glad it's not me!

I live there too, then. I have needle phobia. A once a year blood test is more than enough for me. As for holes, I was born with the regulation issue. I neither need nor want more. Each to their own.

When she's old enough to listen to her grandad's exploits, she won't believe it! Make sure you show her the photos of that cheeky young lad with the pretty face and cheekbones!

Oh dear. Poor soul. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-49592200 She should think herself very lucky she didn't attend the same school as myself where, incidentally, I spent my first full day 50 years ago today.

I'm told that many people have tattoos instead of self-harming. Disturbing,indeed.

We missed out there, nonna!

Happy belated birthday, Lizzie! Hope you pushed the boat out!

Indeed, Katyjay. Short memories, some people. Think we ought to bring back rationing. Too many overweight people around,

I'll be there on Tuesday. Taking a friend for day case hernia repair!

Knocking em dead in Sutton now, eh Ben?

I don't have a brother Beekay, but would have liked one. Maybe I'll adopt you!

You're not old enough to be my dad, Beekay! That's something to be thankful for young un! Enjoy your anniversary!

Ben is easy to find, yet again. Didn't even have to look for the name.

Yes I spotted our Ben and then looked him up on ancestry. Found his younger brother, his parents' marriage and Ben's first foray into matrimony all whilst devouring my toast, yoghurt and coffee on a tray in bed this morning before setting off for work. Know all about ya now Ben!! Your paternal great great great great grandad's name was Granville!

Back row, 4th from left. Those cheekbones look familiar!

You're obviously in a class of your own Beekay! I've said many times how much I detested Manning. I started school when I was 4 and by the age of 11, I'd had enough of it. It wouldn't really have mattered where I went, I'd have hated it. Aged 11, I desperately wanted to work on the biscuit counter in Woolworths. I have never been ambitious and money or possessions mean little to me. My overriding aim in life has been to follow my own path, think, study and work out the point of the journey. Manning didn't shed much light on any of that.

There was...it was called Manning!

Yes, an interesting photographic timeline of the history of Kings Mill along the wall near the clinics. Until a few years ago, there were still a number of areas within the hospital dating from its use as an army base. They had a very eerie atmosphere but since the rebuild, they are virtually all gone.

Sutton in Ashfield, Loppy. Has a very interesting history. It was a US Army base during WW2. Now part of Sherwood Forest Hospitals.

What were you doing at Kings Mill, our Ben? I'll be running into you in Morrison's! I don't shoplift, though! I'll be taking a friend to Kings Mill in a coup!e of weeks for a day case op. I'll look out for you.

Do you remember the Dickson family, Mandie? Moved to Leybourne after the war. One of them is still there! I know Ben doesn't remember them.

I worked for Rotheras, solicitors, when they were sited on Friar Lane. One of the partners at that time was Ian Rothera. His father was then semi retired and a consultant. Both were involved with the office of coroner.

I think you'd be better with Maurice Chevalier, our Ben. Thank heavens for little girls/They grow up in the most delightful way/Those little eyes so helpless and appealing/One day will flash and send you crashing through the ceiling! Could be your theme song!

Donald Pleasance was brilliant in The Barchester Chronicles, where his daughter Angela appeared as his screen daughter. Brilliant cast all round including the late Alan Rickman and Nigel Hawthorne. I love Trollope.

I attended a funeral at Markeaton Crem a few years ago, The deceased was a member of the Strelley family and a keen fisherman. He was encased in an osier basket, similar to the one he took fishing. Half way through, during a lull after a reading from The Strelley Bible, we were treated to a rendition of The William Tell Overture from someone's phone! Gone Fishin' would have been more appropriate but we laughed anyway, as he would have done.