Welcome
to the Octogenarians site, and a big hello to our latest, Vincent James
Harris, ex Staff B/M.
Late last year my wife and I were invited by the Harris family to a
birthday party to celebrate the coming of age of our second childhoods,
and I have a photo to prove it. Vince was accorded the accolade at daughter
Sue's and wonderfully organised by her and friends, in all 35 guests
attended, and for me it was a pleasure to meet up with other musos and
those associated with Vince and his Wind Quintet. One guy I met and
was thrilled to bits to meet, one, the son of an ex R.M. Bandman Ted
Stigwood, Mike his son is a Master Mariner and sails for his living,
and living on his yacht in the Auckland Marina with his lovely wife.
Back
to the celebration, many tributes were delivered, Keith, Billy the two
sons and Sue the daughter spoke very highly of Dad and his 80 years,
stories that even ex RMBs would blush at. HMS Blake was mentioned ,and
for those who served in her, would know of the good and bad times. During
the speeches etc a Certificate was presented to Vince from his Quintet,
praising the time effort and musicianship given freely over the years,
a pity they couldn’t spell, BASOON, still that my be the one with
a single reed?
The photo mentioned earlier was as the result of a present by the Son
–in- law? It should have been modelled for our amusement, however
after many attempts to fit, it was passed over and the laugh continued
as did the flow of the amber liquid. The boys at one stage demonstrated
Vince’s prowess with an ordered cup of coffee, and titled their
sketch Old age TRAITS, how can so much verve be put in at the making
of a Flat White?
However at the going down of the sun and the lack of Fireworks the day
ended with the fond farewells and an invitation to Vince’s 90th
in 2021, Come and join us,
All
for now til we meet again,,
Bernard
S (Maxie) Beare
