June Breaks ...

... and no matter what glue I use I can't seem to repair ii.

A quick update this blog post. Firstly to let you know that my search for Ms Parr is at an end! Yes, she finally read her emails and responded! I was able to send her two copies of my book for her perusal and review. I know the books got to her safely, but I've heard nothing back so whether that means she doesn't like the book, what I've done with her poem or both, I'm not sure. BUT, at least I achieved my goal of sending her the copies I wanted too.

Secondly, I want to mark the passing of an ex-colleague. I heard yesterday that a 'hero' of mine, someone who I looked up to and respected in the early years of my policing career, died earlier this week.

Merfyn Davies was a professional, thoughtful, calm and considered man with a lovely sense of humour and a great manner about him when speaking to the public.

I joined his 'team' (called a 'Relief' at that time in the 1980's, though little relief was encountered by anyone) and immediately saw that he was someone to respect and learn from. Someone to study in a general way and to learn how he did the job his way and pick up hints and tips to factor into my own personality (such as it is) and policing approach. Today it would be referred too as looking at 'Best Practice'; at the time it was simply finding someone you could trust and value and learn from them.

When Merf retired from the Police he left these shores to live in Canada with his partner and, as we were not close friends, we lost touch. I rediscovered him on Facebook (as you do) and lurked around his pages watching his life and family from afar. 

To hear of his untimely death from a serious illness was (as is so often the case) shocking and very sad. Like many people, it led me to regret never really telling him of my high regard and how much I'd learnt from him. Thus, forgive me for my sad meanderings here.

I hope that he is now out of any pain he endured in the final stages of life and that his family know how much he was loved and respected by those who knew and worked with him. I wish every blessing to those he leaves behind.

Take Care Merf, and thanks for everything.