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.
21 comments:
Poor old Puffin. He really went into a dark place after his marriage ended. He must have felt helpless and hopeless and unloved.
RIP 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.
A sad story. I have just Googled him and found his obituary in The Guardian from 2005. He seems to have been an eccentric fellow.
I must have a look, I didn't know he was mentioned anywhere.
I can't find anything, could you send me a link?
https://www.theguardian.com/news/2005/sep/26/obituaries.mainsection
I think this may be it?
https://www.theguardian.com/news/2005/sep/26/obituaries.mainsection
Yes that's the one.
Thanks for that. I don't understand why I couldn't find it myself. An interesting Obit.
Thanks. I've now seen it.
Riding 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.
It'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.
Poor old Puffin.
In 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.
Poor man, to be brought so low. Do we know who dedicated the bench?
I think it was his daughters. But I'm not sure.
"And no one noticed"
Dreadful, but I suppose sleep and death are easily confused!
A very sad ending for Puffin.
Someone thought enough of him to provide a bench in his memory.
Could be a very good story in your hands to the world. Write it and they will read.
He was one of the real characters from our road.
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