John Hulcoop (41) writes from Canada
We lived at 5 Bounds Green Road—in a very large flat above the gas showrooms. My dad was in charge of that depot and all the offices and the warehouse. It was right across the road from St Michael’s Church. Peggy and I both went to St Michael’s Infants School, then the Elementary School across from Trinity, and then to Trinity. Being so close to the school, our “house” was a genuine meeting place, not only for Peggy’s friends, and mine, but also for a number of the staff who use to drop by after school for tea—my mum was a great cook. She came from the north (Newcastle) and was always baking. Henry Saunders (Music master), Miss Martin (later Mrs Bonney—French mistress), the gym mistress, blonde haired, Wendy ----------? all used to visit. I wrote about some of it in the Trinity book.
Peter Townsend (46) now lives in the USA and his news is :
I have been learning to ride and getting accustomed to horses generally over the last 18 months. As I am tall, I was unable to find a 14h Icey in Western Washington where I live.. My first horse, Thytur, arrived on May 1, 2007 in very good shape from Southern California. He is a black 14h gelding, almost 6 years old and imported from Iceland in September 2006.
I rode him in California, along road, trail, hill, through a stream and in the arena and he performed well. I did not go for the flying pace, but had it demonstrated! I also rode 3 other tall geldings.
Thytur has a good personality, takes a distinct interest in everything and is a hit with the other horses and their owners at the stable.
I plan on riding him on the trail with maybe some short endurance rides and maybe for some driving. I will use an English saddle.
I spent a lot of time visiting California,learning Icelandic horse care. I am now sorting out saddle needs and will need to be careful on choice as Thytur will fill out and put muscles on in the next year or two.
This has been more work than I planned on, but a lot of fun too! To make up for it, I get outdoors a lot, have plenty of exercise, see gorgeous local off road scenery, make new friends, and have a new buddy for life. Not too shabby a trade-off.
Editors Note. What a fantastic way to spend your retirement. We were delighted to meet up with Peter and his wife Frauke when he visited us to see Barry’s motorcycles and chat about their pro’s and cons.. We have a lovely photo of him on something of a different ride !
This is Peter with Frauke
I need more stories—let me have them. In the next newsletter… Keverne Weston (54) recalls his days at Trinity and Jean France (Woodhouse 38) has some memories to share.
