This (below) is a bench dedicated to the memory of my old friend Puffin. I go past it twice every day whilst walking with Billy. Occasionally I sit and reminisce.
Puffin (a.k.a Peter Powell-Stevens) worked in the realm of 'The Arts'. I never asked him exactly what he did, but I think it was something to do with photography.
Sadly his marriage came to a sudden end and he quit the family home, which was at the end of our street. He wandered 'aimlessly' around Brighton, and to all intents he became a homeless tramp. On one occasion he even asked me for a few quid, which I was happy to provide.
To keep warm and comfortable he would often travel on busses; his favourites being the ones that went on a continuous circuit around Brighton, where he could hide away in a corner and go round and round all day long.
On one such excursion he died. No-one noticed; they simply thought he was sleeping.
Yes, poor old Puffin died on the No 7 bus, and no-one noticed.
RIP Puffin.
Poor old Puffin. He really went into a dark place after his marriage ended. He must have felt helpless and hopeless and unloved.
ReplyDeleteRIP in his case I hope there is a heaven
It really was very sad. I have no idea what happened, but one day he was living in his £1 Million house, and the next he was penniless on the streets.
DeleteA sad story. I have just Googled him and found his obituary in The Guardian from 2005. He seems to have been an eccentric fellow.
ReplyDeleteI must have a look, I didn't know he was mentioned anywhere.
DeleteI can't find anything, could you send me a link?
DeleteI think this may be it?
Deletehttps://www.theguardian.com/news/2005/sep/26/obituaries.mainsection
Yes that's the one.
DeleteThanks for that. I don't understand why I couldn't find it myself. An interesting Obit.
Deletehttps://www.theguardian.com/news/2005/sep/26/obituaries.mainsection
ReplyDeleteThanks. I've now seen it.
DeleteRiding on the circular bus, Puffin may have hummed to himself "The Circle Game". I guess that Number 7 was not his lucky number. May he rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteIt's both an amusing and a tragic story. He will ever be remembered for having died on the No 7 bus. An accolade in itself.
DeleteCould be a very good story in your hands to the world. Write it and they will read.
DeletePoor old Puffin.
ReplyDeleteIn light of the recent UK Budget, I can imagine that throughout the country circular route buses will be filled all day, with Pensioner's keeping warm!
Libraries are a favourite, you see hoards of OAP's spending the day reading the paper, or filling-in crossword puzzles.
DeletePoor man, to be brought so low. Do we know who dedicated the bench?
ReplyDeleteI think it was his daughters. But I'm not sure.
Delete"And no one noticed"
ReplyDeleteDreadful, but I suppose sleep and death are easily confused!
DeleteA very sad ending for Puffin.
ReplyDeleteSomeone thought enough of him to provide a bench in his memory.
He was one of the real characters from our road.
Delete