A sad but uplifting event today to mark the first anniversary of the death of May Mendleson aged 108.
She was a remarkable woman. When I made this film of her a few years ago she was still doing the Times crossword every day. Her son and a contemporary of mine in college in Cardiff Astor and his wife Carole welcomed family and friends to the Jewish cemetery in Newport.
May was a feisty strong woman with lively views on the follies of modern life. Her husband lived to 101 and he ran a tobacconist business in the heart of Newport. He ran a friendship club among the Jewish community. His ambition was to have 100 members but he never quite made it. The community has shrunk to a handful of families and the synagogue has closed.
Thanks to Astor and Carole on their welcome and hospitality today. She was a lovely woman. We all admired, respected and loved her.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ke5mWkCa_Eo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZQ6iO8wwMs
Father Gerald Moorcraft
Sad news at dawn. My schoolfriend Monsignor Gerald Moorcraft died in the early hours of this morning.
Pictured (centre sitting) at his 70th birthday party, Gerald had a full distinguished life as a catholic priest. For many years he was the parish priest at St Teresa's in Princes Risborough. In recent times I have enjoyed meals with Gerald and a group of other Old Illtydians at about six monthly intervals.
Gerald achieved his life's ambition and lived a full virtuous life. He once said that he did not want to live an excessively long life.
Rest in peace old friend.
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