Remembering Graham – One year on

Stoke Mandveille School remembered Graham on 12 November with an assembly for the junior children, present and past staff, and others who had been part of the traumatic events of a year ago. We were all delighted that Towe, Graham’s father and his sister Jane were able to join us to mark this special occasion. Matt Ashmead, the new Headteacher, linked the event to Remembrance Day and the poppies which are a reminder of past events. The children could identify with this as they see on a daily basis all the tangible reminders around the school of what Graham had done for them and the areas which are dedicated to his memory – the library, the mini bus, the courtyard garden and the outdoor activity area. Year 6 children compiled a book of their memories of Graham - some of which were read out - and this was given to Towe as a permanent reminder of the event. There were some very moving tributes- both happy and sad – and there were tears and laughter. David Jenkins, the Methodist minister who had taken Graham’s memorial service in Stoke Mandeville church, then led the rest of the assembly, which included one of Graham’s favourite hymns and a special song, and there was time for everyone to reflect on the Graham they knew and loved. The school is moving on – and Graham would be pleased about this as he always wanted the best for the children – but this was a very special day which gave everyone time to stop and reflect and come together to share their memories of a much loved and greatly respected man.

Pat Aylett

Not How Did He Die, but How Did He Live?

Not, how did he die, but how did he live?
Not, what did he gain, but how did he give?
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.
Not, what was his church, nor what was his creed?
But had he befriended those really in need?
Was he ever ready, with a word of good cheer,
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say,
But how many were sorry when he passed away?

Anon.

one year

It's a year to the day since graham died.



Sorely missed but always fondly remembered.

Remembering Graham Walk - 3rd October

Park and meet at 10:30 am at Ladymede School, HP17 0XP, which is on the west side of the A4010 between Princes Risborough and Stoke Mandeville. The entrance is opposite the War Memorial. Park on the drive (either side) or in the small staff car parks in front and to the right of the school building.

If you would like to come, please email chris.saunders@talktalk.net.

Remembering Graham Walk - 3rd October

There will be a special Remembering Graham walk near Great Kimble, Buckinghamshire on the morning of Sunday October 3rd 2010. This walk was Graham's favourite local walk, and it is a very special place for the family.

The walk will start at 10:30 am and takes approximately 2 hours. We are asking for a donation from each walker, which will be split evenly between three charities - Winston's Wish, Teacher Support Network and the Child Bereavement Charity. We suggest a donation of £5 per walker.

If you would like to join Towe and girls on the walk, please email me on chris.saunders@talktalk.net with the number of cars and walkers who intend to come and I will let you know where to park and meet, and details of how to donate.

Memorial Afternoon at Stoke Mandeville Combined School

On 9th July, Stoke Mandeville Combined School held a memorial afternoon and picnic for Graham, and to celebrate the completion of many of the projects that Graham had started. Towe and the children were there, along with Ken and Betty Hollows. Here are some of their photos and Towe's own account of the afternoon.

It was incredibly powerful and emotional. It was a celebration of everything Graham had done for the school & the projects they have finished on his behalf since he died. The children were lovely - so welcoming and talked about Graham all of the time. They clearly adored him and he is a very big part of their school life even though he is not with them.

The projects they had completed were the library, the play area (the chaps brought the bench to school the week after Graham died and gave it to the school), the courtyard, the reception area and the stage lights (after he'd got the staging blocks last year).

There was a picnic for the whole school. The parents & grandparents arrived at 2 pm and had tours by the year 6s of the completed projects. Just before 3 pm everyone went down to the bottom of the field where there was a net of blue & white balloons - one for every child in the school in the school colours. Some words were said about all the lovely things Mr. Hollows did for the school and how much he meant to everyone in the school, there was a minute or two of silence & then the balloons were released. As they flew over the school everyone clapped and cheered for him.

Thame 10k results and photos

Congratulations and well done to all 20 runners who ran for Graham on 26th June in the Thame 10k, raising over £2,000 for Winston's Wish and Teacher Support Network. It was very moving to see all the Remembering Graham T-shirts, watch the runners release balloons and above all witness the supreme effort by lots of people, some of whom have not run before and took it up specially for this event.

There are official photos on

http://www.theracephotographer.com/Thame2010_10k/index.htm

but here are some of the team during and after the event.