Tower and Town, July 2018 (view the full edition)Family NewsChristine Etheridge and family, have suffered the loss of her well known and popular husband John. Christine met John on the Old Kent Road where he was a publican in the Green Man. Christine (who is originally from Marlborough), and John moved back from Swindon 33 years ago, living first in London Road and then Barnfield. All three sons Tom, Harry and Max were born and brought up in Marlborough. John went on to run three small businesses in the town, ASAP building, Spirals hairdressing and Bytes café now known as Mercers. Bytes was always a hub of activity and had a definite community feel about it, as John was very interested in people's lives and liked to help out where he could. John was passionate about football, and when the boys were young he set up soccer schools in Marlborough and became a scout for Bristol Rovers. He coached many young men and women and his presentation nights at the football club were legendary, full of fun and music. John also helped raise money for local charities such as St Mary's playgroup, and was a well-known figure as Postman Pat or Lenny the Letter. Christine and John travelled as extensively as they could, despite his increasing illness and recently enjoyed an amazing holiday in India where John became friends with their driver. He would have been 62yrs old on the 4th June. Our deepest sympathy to all of the family. Vera Hamblin is proud of her granddaughter, Simone Hamblin, who has secured an apprenticeship in project management with London Transport. She is spending the summer touring North America. She went to Easton Royal and St John's Schools. Well done Simone! Fr John Blacker was ordained in the Catholic church 50 years ago. He studied at Saint Sulpice, Paris and was ordained in the Pro-Cathedral of the Holy Apostles in Bristol which has since been replaced by the very modernist Clifton Cathedral. Fr John came to St Thomas More eight years ago and is loved by his congregation for his inclusive, caring relationship with everyone. He follows American Football and is a keen aviation enthusiast. We wish him good luck and many more years of ministry. Congratulations to Alison Neilson, who celebrated her 100th Birthday on Tuesday 19th June, with family and friends. Her children, Catherine and Hamish, came from foreign lands (USA and Scotland respectively) to celebrate the event along with members of their families. Ian Neilson (her late husband) spent many years editing Tower & Town. Audrey Peck |