We were back up in Yorkshire at the end of last week, for the funeral in Leeds of Dave, Si’s Dad who passed away a couple of weeks ago. We stayed with Ros again on the night before, Thursday, which made for a relaxed journey to the funeral in the morning, and a chance for a relaxed day before. We visited Esholt, the village close to Ros where Emmerdale was filmed, walking in woods full of bluebells and flowering wild garlic, with young mountain bikers jumping over the track. We met Jake, a young lad who was happy to launch himself into the air for the benefit of our cameras, in return for the photos being e-mailed.
Afterwards we explored the village. We have been visiting Ros for many years but have never visited the attractive village of Esholt, just a few minutes from Baildon, although I did recall spending time at the Large Yorkshire Water Esholt sewage works just outside the village when I spent six months working for what was then Yorkshire Water Authority, in 1979.
When we got back to Ros’s there was just about enough warmth in the intermittent sunshine to enjoy a beer on her new patio, before the chilly wind drove us indoors.
The Catholic funeral on Friday was not as sombre as expected. Just as the funerals for my parents, the service was a celebration of the life of Dave, uplifting and moving at the same time. All three sons, Si, Daz and Duncan, helped carry the coffin, and eldest son Duncan, gave a eulogy that moved the congregation from laughter to tears and back again. The service and cremation was followed by a wake at a local golf club, a chance to catch with Si’s family.
Technically we live in Oaktree House, but sadly the tree had to go.
We now have a thriving Oakstump at the front of the house.
