Whilst we are on the subject of friends many people, particularly those in the same organisation or workplace who are part of a group of colleagues who have worked together for many years often make friendships which carry over when they retire. Of course some people move away when they retire or do not live anywhere near former colleagues. In my case I live on an island (and, yes I appreciate that Britain is an Island but I think you understand what I mean) as do a significant number of my former colleagues. So getting together is relatively easy.
In my case many of my former colleagues live in and around Stornoway. I retired from the local council 30 years ago. On the first Wednesday of every month we have a lunch club for retirees. We call it The Last of the Summer Wine Club. My readers in the UK will understand that reference. For those who do not there is a television programme which was on television for 31 years from January 1973. In short three elderly men from Yorkshire prefer to stay young by engaging in "youthful" activities whilst reminiscing about their childhood days. I enjoy watching it now as much as I did half a century ago - it hasn't dated one little bit.
I prefer the older programmes in the series. But they all have something of real life in them
ReplyDeleteGwynneth, I swither between different eras but I'm not very au fait with the more recent episodes. It is a very special programme though.
DeleteThe Last of the Summer Wine is a fun Brit comedy. It hadn’t aired locally in several years.
ReplyDeleteMay
May, we are still getting re-runs although I'm not sure which channel they are on.
DeleteIt's always good to spend some time with former colleagues.
ReplyDeleteRed, it is indeed.
DeleteI know it's an old chestnut, but why don't they make programmes like that any more. It was a light comedy, nothing controversial, with great characters, and always a simple story line. I liked the music too. Nora Batty was a national institution.
ReplyDeleteCro, I have no idea what's available these days. There's so much choice on television I can't be bothered and find I watch less than I ever did. There are so many other things to do in life.
DeleteI've known about this series for a very long time but so far haven't watched a single episode; it's one of those things I keep at the back of my mind to be pulled out on a rainy day, I guess.
ReplyDeleteMy Mum and her former colleagues meet regularly, too. It is nice for them to get together and catch up, and since I used to work at the library, too, and know most of them quite well, she always sends me a photo of the group, taken by a nice waiter. It never ceases to amaze me how good some of them look and how others haven't aged well.
Meike, when I go to the Last of the Summer Wine Club I always think how young many of them look.......and then I realise I'm much older than most of them.
DeleteI can just imagine you all now as characters from that series. Which one would be Compo?
ReplyDeleteJayCee, you made me wonder whether I could attribute any of the cast's characters to my former colleagues. I don't think any of us are interesting enough. I was called a "boring old fart" when I was in my 30s. I probably was "older" then than I am now. I was certainly outwardly more serious.
DeleteI blow hot and cold on that series. Sometimes I find it unbearably sad. Other times, I laugh.
ReplyDeleteJanice, I can understand where you are coming from on that.
DeleteI am not familiar with the TV show at all, but I am all for getting together with friends or former colleagues, not necessarily always the same thing! I meet one fellow regularly for coffee, always enjoyable. Have a great weekend, Graham. All the best - David
ReplyDeleteYou made me think, David, about the 'spread' of my friends. Some of my closest friends were never colleagues - it's probably about 50:50.
DeleteI have a group of high school friends that meet once a month for brunch. We hadn't always stayed in touch and just reconnected after retirement. It's been great because we are all the same age (75 this year!) and we share a lot of the same worries, ailments, and memories. There is lots of laughter as well as sadness but I always look forward to it.
ReplyDeleteEllen, I am sad to say that all the high school friends I'd kept in touch with either fell by the wayside when I moved to Scotland half a century ago or have since died. However I've known my oldest friend since I was 4 and we are still in constant touch: and her daughter and family come up here to stay quite often.
DeleteYes I do remember that series, never really watched it that much though.
ReplyDeleteAmy, I think it's probably a Marmite programme.
DeleteI've never heard of that TV series. My old friends from my youth are rather spread out these days. Last summer I had a surprise visit from an old workmate + his wife from my mid twenties up in Karlstad though. We hadn't met in 38 years but had no difficulty at all "picking up the thread"...!
ReplyDeleteMonica, the few people I'd kept up with since the 'early days' have (apart from my oldest friend mentioned above) fallen by the wayside. (one way or another).
DeleteWe got it here on Saturday nights on the local PBS station. I imagine that we saw the 'old' episodes. It would be interesting to see a couple later ones. Tim and I always got a kick out of it.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you both enjoyed it Debby.
DeleteYou know I know that TV show! Like the idea of you meeting up with old friends, always a good thing.
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed, Kaye.
DeleteIndeed, Kay, I suspect you know far more about TV in the UK than aI do!
DeleteBeautiful blog
ReplyDeletePlease read my post
ReplyDelete