I just came across this old photo (again). It shows Lady M, our two kittens 'King and Barnes' (named after a Sussex brewery), our dog Hamlet, and 'Old Mo', a friend from England. It was taken at our original farmhouse in about 1973.
Old Mo was a Fruit Tree Scientist. Before retirement, he had been the senior Scientist at the East Malling Research Station in Kent.
Mo lived next door to my people in West Chiltingon Sussex, and we became great friends. He was a fascinating man, but a tad eccentric. He was delighted to hear that we were moving to S W France, and instantly asked if he could visit. Of course we said 'Yes'.
I can't remember exactly how he reached us, but I do remember that it involved a train, bus, and hitchhiking. He was that sort of man; nothing was too much for him. We had no phone, so making contact with him was impossible.
I remember that he was also very interested in the local Walnut trees. Trees were his life. Whilst with us he taught me so much; I could have listened to him all day long.
He always wore a suit with shirt and tie, whether he was relaxing at home, sunbathing in his garden, or working at his beautiful espalier orchard called 'Kings and Princes'. His orchard was about a mile away from his home on some rented land, and consisted of several long rows of immaculately pruned espalier Apple and Pear trees. He had also dug a small underground cellar where he kept bottles of Cider and a few glasses. I never did ask what he did with all the fruit!
Dear Old Mo is long gone, but just seeing his photo again brought back wonderful memories. He was always smiling. Looking at the photo again reminds me of what a lovely man he was.
The original photo is slowly fading away, but on advice from Deejohn I have tinkered with it. It's much better now..
A lovely memory, and homage to Old Mo.
ReplyDeleteOrchards are wonderful. As is any tree - fruit bearing or not.
The photo "fading"? Only yesterday I dug out the last letter my grandmother sent me before she died. She wrote it in pencil. Poignant because, as you will know, pencil too fades over the decades - slowly but steadily. Still readable though. Just like your photo.
U
I'm not sure if photos still fade as they used to. I have lots of photos from the 60's and 70's that have become 'pink' over time. It's a shame.
DeletePerhaps Old Mo was from the War generation where many men wore their suits, ties and cardigans every day no matter what activities they were carrying out, in the days before slovenly house and street leisurewear became popular.
ReplyDeleteInterestingly I ran the faded photo through my photoshop and it comes up a treat, including a b/w version.
I'll have to ask my son to have a go. I don't have photoshop myself. My own father was much the same with his dress code, I think I only once saw him wearing shorts and he looked ridiculous.
Deletep.s. I found Martell Ruffin rather annoying.
DeleteYes, Martell is a character and full of himself. Not a bad singing voice though.
DeleteWas hoping that you'd recognize the grand Palais Garnier in Paris. A spectacular setting.
Yes, many laptops now have a free Photo program, like Windows photo that allows you to get rid of the fading in old photos.
It's been chilly here so I've had to light up the blog's fireplace.
I'll have to check my own simple Windows editing service; I'm sure I could make the photo B & W.
DeleteI've seen several videos of the busking guitarist, it's a great idea; although I don't think I'd take-up his offer myself.
We had a fire here two night ago!
Oh yes, that's much better, and in b/w. All it needed was to add in some deep contrast which then cancels out the original faded image.
ReplyDeleteIt's so much better; thank you.
DeleteLooking more closely at the photo, I don't think the dog is 'Hamlet'; I think it's his son 'd'Artagnon'.
ReplyDeleteI adore that photo - A perfect time captured for you to recall whenever you wish - though it has brought a feeling of melancholy to me somehow - flis x
ReplyDeleteIt does for me too. We were young and foolish, and nothing seemed impossible. When I look back on all the administration involved in moving to France; it was a nightmare. We weren't even members of the Common Market at the time, and things weren't easy. Still, what larks!
DeleteWho is the ghostly figure just behind Mo or is it some sort of statue?
ReplyDeleteIt was an Art College' plaster copy of some Roman god. I shouldn't have left it outdoors, most of it rotted. I only have the head left.
DeleteThat is a lovely photo. It is so wonderful and sad too to look at old photos of people we have loved and lost it keeps them alive at least in our minds. Joy, and recalling pets of the past too. You pick inventive pet names. Regards Sue H
ReplyDeleteYes, I get very emotional looking at photos of my old dogs and the cat. They were so reliant on us for so much.
DeleteSuch folk enrich our lives immeasurably.
ReplyDeleteHe was a wonderful man, who did a huge amount for the quality of UK Apples and Pears. And his legacy lives on.
DeleteA wonderful person and a co-author of "The Pomona Britannica" one of those books you need a lectern to read it at... it'll crush your lap!
ReplyDeleteAnd despite being sold to Hall&Woodhouse (of Badger Beer fame), one member of the King family still brews.... fifth generation Bill King now runs the Firebird Brewery in Rudgwick.... why Firebird? There's alread a Phoenix Brewery!
It's a very long time since I drank any King and Barnes; it was always my favourite tipple. I shall look out for Firebird.
DeleteWhat a fascinating character Old Mo was. Are there still such interesting eccentrics around these days - or have they all been "dumbed down" ?
ReplyDeleteThey're still out there, we occasionally meet some in Brighton!
DeleteI do hope that long after we are gone, people are reminded that we were interesting and maybe a little eccentric.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't that be nice. Although in my case 'wishful thinking'.
DeleteWhat a lovely post, Cro, the photo, the memories well captured. I think blogging is so good for this.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great outlet. Where else would I be able to talk about Old Mo???
DeleteGreat photo with lots of good memories!
ReplyDeleteOld Mo sounds like a marvelous person. I would have enjoyed knowing him. His knowledge and interests in trees sound fascinating to me.
Did you and he stay in touch?