After work today, Tash and I drove out to Lechlade to pick up Brett, as he's over here at the moment and we wouldn't be able to see him tomorrow because we're in London.
Charlotte and Miles were already at the pub where we'd arranged to meet — The Trout Inn — so we went in and found our reserved table. Really quaint pub, proper village feel to it.
We ordered some food and drinks and then basically chatted solidly for the next three hours. It was really, really interesting, as it always is with Brett. There's just so much to talk about and he hasn't changed — still absolutely full of life and positivity.
At some point Charl and Miles asked him to come to their wedding, and then asked if he'd be able to officiate the ceremony if he thinks he's going to be over here in the UK at the time.
You can imagine how delighted he was about that, and of course his immediate answer was "Yes". It would be brilliant if he can do it.
There are some concerns about his health, though, and I couldn't help noticing that he referred to his own mortality a few times during the evening. He was also much more "thankful to God" than I've ever known him to be, which is unusual for Brett, but then it's hardly surprising given everything he's been through with the cancer. Hopefully he'll be fit and well enough to make it over for the wedding because it would make it even more special.
He'd also brought over some World War One diaries written by my Great Grandad, Frank Cane. I can't wait to get the chance to read through them properly. His handwriting was absolutely exquisite — it's amazing to have something like that actually written by him and still in existence all these years later.
Around 10.00pm we decided we'd better call it a night, said our goodbyes and dropped Brett off at the place he's staying with a chap called Roger, who seems like a really nice bloke.
Then we headed home.
On the drive back we chatted about Melanie dying and Tess and Brendan's lives. They've got quite a complicated family situation going on, and their children seem to have been affected by it all as well. It's a very dysfunctional family unit, if ever I've seen one.
End of day summary
A really enjoyable evening and it was just great to see Brett again. He's been through an awful lot, but somehow he's still Brett — full of life, positivity and enthusiasm.
The wedding conversation was a lovely surprise and it would be fantastic if he's able to officiate for Charl and Miles. Hopefully his health allows him to make the trip because having him there would make the day even more memorable.
And the Great Grandad's diaries are a brilliant bonus. I'm really looking forward to sitting down and reading those when I've got the time.
Good food, good company, loads of conversation and a very welcome catch-up with an old friend.
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