Thursday 31 December 2015

Tony Bird



As this year comes to a close, I wanted to post this blog about a special person rather than christmas, we will have many more christmas's but only memories of those who have gone. 



When I first saw a video recorder in Lisa Feddons' house in 1978, I was amazed; I was thinking how wonderful technology was becoming.
I felt exactly the same when I walked into the grand bedroom of Tony and Patsy Bird, overlooking Victoria Park London. There, in the corner  was a very grand Corby Trouser Press. This piece of home luxury was usually meant for the affluent, but  Tony was very successful. From humble beginnings at the Golden Lion Pub Abbey Arms with a car front next door, to providing luxury Winnebago RV's for film and television cast and crew on location. He was indeed a self made success. His great success never changed him though, he appreciated everything and treated everyone equally.

I met Tony 31 years ago at age 15. He was calm, level headed and he had a natural way of making us feel safe (that is his step daughters Kellie and Sally and all their friends). He was one of the kindest men I knew, as was his wonderful brother Peter whom he is now re-united with, at long last. I know he missed him every day.
Since Tony's very recent death, his mother has also died. I will never forget you Tony, and one of my fondest memories is of you dancing with much loved wife Patsy in your favourite pub near your previous home at Victoria Park; to the song, River of Dreams by Billy Joel.

Here's the link for the song which will always remind me of him.

I know I can speak for the friends of his step daughters Kellie and Sally Woods when I say; we'll miss you Tony, and thank you for all your kindness when we were young and also throughout our lives, We'll never forget you. 

I dedicate this blog to the grand, but very grounded Tony Bird. 

See you at the next posting.


Friday 30 October 2015

Funeography, The Final Frame???


©Priscilla Etienne
It seems that news of my health is beginning to leak, I thought I should get this blog posted and set the record straight.

I got an email from a woman called Anita who has read about my ill health somewhere. So.... to the bare facts.
I have had osteoarthritis of the neck, spine and lumbar spine for the past ten years. It's now showing itself in my knees which prevents me bending to a certain point. I can't kneel down on my knees at all now.  My thumbs get really painful and stiff, and I drop things a lot. I've never dropped a camera though.
I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome which has slowly become worse over the past 5 years, I hit daily periods of extreme exhaustion and if I talk during these moments I sound drunk.  I also now have Fibromyalgia, so every day my body feels stiff, aches and gets painful.
Although journalism is a combined with Funeography, the dynamic shots I have taken over the years have become more difficult; as has climbing up walls and running to get in front of a funeral procession. It's taken quite some time to get used to the changes.

Am I just going to sit in my armchair and let this beat me? Definitely not. I will always do photography on a level that I can manage. My journalist blog stays and other aspects of Funeography, it's my baby and will remain mine. I guess that the fantastic physical life I have led; Youth Work Manager, Bodybuilder, Territorial Army (4th Battalion Royal Green Jackets, now known as The Rifles) has caught up with me. I don't have it within my nature to stop completely, so I'll settle for a more relaxed pace.
I have now cut right back on regular funerals, and I am undergoing some final tests to determine the extent of whats going on. I am also caring for my son, who now has not just one life-changing disease but two. Ulcerative Pancolitis and Liver Disease, he's doing ok right now but there are lots of medication, hospital checks etc.

      I am very pleased and proud that I have been able to provide so many families with treasured memories, and be able to help them along the very long, never- ending road of bereavement. I want to thank all of those families for letting me into your homes, and sharing the most difficult, early part of your grief. I need to thank some of the wonderful people I have met within the funeral industry who gave me hope when I needed it. In particular Colin (Corky) Liddell and Stuart Poulton. You both know what you did. And Colin.. My promise to you still stands.

I've always jumped on the back of life, wrestled with it and did as much as I can to make it challenge me, making sure I am never forgotten,  and as I close this post I am thinking of an exceptional young man, who got as much out of life as he could and will most certainly not be forgotten........ I dedicate this blog to Brennan Small-Doyle.

See you at the next posting.

Saturday 4 July 2015

Goodbye Mr Cain




Many of us are clearly saddened by the departure of Martin Cain. Mr Cain to most my age, and what a man he was. While I've been writing Sara's (his daughters') Lifebook I've discovered what a remarkably strong and determine person he was. Nothing was unreachable and everything was possible. He was conditioned to succeed whatever the odds. His strong sense of survival was ultimately for his family; his wife, his children, and his grandchildren.

Mr Cain, there's no need to fight anymore, you've achieved what you set out to do. The one person whose absence you've found the most difficult to bare, has been waiting with open arms. 
You are now reunited with Smarty in eternal peace... Or perhaps with eternal music.

I dedicate this blog to Mr Martin Cain and Smarty Cain.