1st March 2025
Well actually it started two weeks ago … the gathering ….. I originally started this blog on the 24th February a week after the first arrivals but have been a bit lost for words, not necessarily writers block but just dealing with a lot of different emotions and words had failed me. Our family, and friends that have become like family, were gathering ….. we had a party to prepare for. A farewell to facilitate. So the first UK contingent arrived. My brother and first cousin. Neither of them had seen Pollards before and whilst avid followers of the blog and fully versed with our antics we were keen for them to see it in person. Party planning put aside we had three days of swimming, sunning, beaching, liming and generally catching up, settling in and kicking back. Then there was another UK contingent and the Boston family arriving at Grantley Adams airport within 10minutes of each other. Beds were made, fridges stocked…. The newly refurbished bar was replenished. We were so grateful that people had gathered from so far to say goodbye to our father.
All hands on deck and we really were the most incredible team. Brian had van trouble so we had rakers for the leaves, we had glass washers, napkin folders, salad makers, ham carvers. We had samosa friers and chair movers, flower pickers and flower arrangers, we had bar tenders. Local family members brought buljol and cheese balls, and Betty’s cakes went down a storm. Bless her she remembered the occasion and repeated her condolences when I picked up the cakes. People have been so kind.
Of course it was an emotional day but the aim was to make it a celebration of his life and that we did. We can’t thank everyone enough for all the contributions. Here are a few pictures … Pollards in preparation…
Me pontificating.
The bar in action …. And boy was it given a good workout
Our goodbye … he would have loved it.
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