Raising a glass to our Armandii

I was trying to think of something to write here and my mind went to this memory, strangely enough.

Not sure if it was the first or second time I went to Shiney's place but I had a car full of plants and I did my usual late arrival and had to park about 200yards or more up the road in the local corn field.
So when I arrived Eddie organised a few of the gang to walk up the road and pick up the plants, not that they needed organising as such, I remember him leading the way, I think Becky and "M" were there also, all wandering back with plants.

 

I remember when I hopped over there and had dinner with Eddy the night before Shineyland Open House. Then had an enjoyable day with him and everyone else the day of and again with Eddy and several other members, had my first Indian dinner. Under the supervision of Mrs. Shiney, I found the meal tasty and was no longer cautious about the food.. after I saw Eddy eat first! I think he noticed me watching him as he did tease a bit. Putting the food near his mouth and backing off a bit.. just to see my reaction. Great sense of humour!

 

@pete I think we were there that year and maybe Freddy too.
I remember at the Indian meal that Eddy and Mrs S have both been in Kenya in the 60's and had a nice chat about it. Mrs S I hasten to add was not in the RAF like Eddy but at school!

 

Yep, remember Freddy and I think Trunky was there also.

 

I didn't notice Freddy@s caravan parked outside.
But yes it could have been then.

 

So lovely to read of everyones tales of their connections with Eddy at Shineyland. I will browse my piccies on the main computer later on and see what I can find.
Feeling a bit tearful about it all today,
R I P Eddy,
♡♡♡
JENNY

 

I've never met any of you in person (and how strange that feels at times!), but one of my favourite memories of Armandii is how deftly he was always able to manage an awkward situation on the forums - if a thread was going off topic, or tempers were running high (especially in the January silly season), he had the knack to knock things on the head, redirect as appropriate, and close with a joke or witty comment that eased things back on track to easier conversation again. I always admired that skill, and never let him know how much, or how grateful I was for it at times.

 

Believe me, nobody looks how you expect them to.

 

I wasn't blessed with meeting Eddy in the 'real world' so have nothing to offer this thread sadly. However I am enjoying celebrating his life by reading all your posts and seeing some great pics. Memories are our most treasured possessions that can't be taken from us and they allow our nearest and dearest to stay with us forever more. Thanks everyone for sharing yours.

 

This was Ed with his cousin that he used to bring along to Shiney’s ,she used to enjoy the Shiney Spa unit.
Sorry I have forgotten her name but a very nice lady.