So, the trip to South Africa was timeous after all. The reason we visited last month was to spend some time with not only the family and friends, but also two lovely people who are both in their 90’s. My daughter’s grandparents have both been unwell over the last year with falls and various other ailments. The last time we saw them was 3.5 years ago on a trip in 2008.
The time we spent with them on this trip was very precious and we had some lovely times with laughter and talking and shared experiences.
Sadly, today we found out that her grandfather passed away this week! 😦 This was not unexpected, but devastating nonetheless. So we had the time to say goodbye, although we didnt know how soon he would go, and how grateful we are that we made the trip. So goodbye to a wonderful man; Alan you will be dearly missed.
in loving memory of a lovely man - Alan Daubney
Not Just a Granny 
You are carrying him in your memory.. keeping alive the experiences you shared. Best wishes~
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you now and in the days ahead. Lovely tribute of a handsome gentleman. How wonderful you made that trip.
ah thanks Georgette. yes we will miss him so much. and he was a lovely gentleman. we are very grateful we made the trip, my daughter has a strong sense of intuition and she was adament we had to go.
Is this by chance Alan Daubney who was born in Hamble?
My father in law Gerald who passed away in April 2012 regarded him as his lifelong friend and talked Alan regularly.
Marlies
oh wow!!! I have no idea. But I will try and find out for you. Gosh how amazing that would be. thanks so much for your comment. regards Cindy
hi Marlies, sorry for the very late reply. Yes that was Alan Daubney…we miss him 😦 Sorry to hear about your father in law…I have been communicating with Peter as well, and thank you both so much for commenting. Regards Cindy
I can confirm what Marlies (my wife) wrote.
I too was sorry to hear of Alan’s death. He was my father’s best friend, sailing companion and neighbour in Hamble in the 1930s.
They lost touch after Alan’s parents died and he stopped visiting England. I have fond memories of watching Alan’s silent colour films of Africa many years ago. I guess it must have been the mid to late 50s. However we managed to find Alan’s phone number and got them talking again a few years ago. (Thank you Google). Dad also passed away last spring and I have inherited quite a few photos and newspaper clippings of Hamble featuring him and Alan, especially in the sea scouts. If they are of interest, I will scan them and let you have them.