Pam and Stuart Relton
We moved into Belbroughton on 21st December, 1987 with our two babies and not knowing a soul. Charlie, the butcher, found us a turkey for our Christmas meal and even threw in some bunches of holly to decorate the house with. The first Christmas card we received was from John and Pat with an invitation to their Boxing Day party and there they introduced us to their friends and our neighbours and made us feel instantly at home. John was always such a gracious host and we have many happy memories of dinners and parties in good company, with good food and, always, delicious wine.
Stuart was on the Church Hall Management Committee for a while and would join John for “Evensong” afterwards at the Shoes. John’s diplomatic skills were put to good use when Stuart became the only person ever to be ‘sacked’ from the Committee – I think it was to do with a discussion about who forgot to put something in the Parish Magazine but was probably because Stuart can be very outspoken. Anyway, John was given the task of telling Stuart his contribution was no longer needed and did it in such a way as to convince Stuart that he was so busy with his work, being away from home so much, and then wanting to spend time with the children that the Committee would quite understand if he felt the need to resign.
John was a true gentleman and it seems very much the end of an era with his passing. Thanks for the memories John and rest in peace. Sending much love to Pat, Clare and Tom.