Narrow boat holiday
June 9th, 2007
These pics were taken on our first narrow boat holiday with Chris and Pam. It was along the Llangollen Canal and we have some great memories of Chris on this trip. There were several adventures – most involving alcohol – but always in fantastic humor.
The picture of Chris on top of the narrow boat as it crossed the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct – some 120 feet above the River Dee is one we will always remember. He was up there to take some good pictures and ‘conquer his fear’.
When not steering – he would take his guitar and serenade the waterways and the surrounding wildlife – the sound was quite wonderful.
Julie and Barry
0 comments »The Package
May 6th, 2007
About a year ago, just before my last set of chemo, I arrived at my dad's to find a large package from John Lewis waiting for me "what was this?" i thought.
Before I opened the package, I read the note that came with it.
On this note it said "Dear Tom, Some of us are looking at the stars, Love Chris".
I was so happy to receive such a lovely message. I was really touched by this.
I think that Chris and I formed a bond because of the illness we had in common, and the awful treatment we both had to go through to try and combat it. After reading the message, I opened the enormous parcel, to find a brand spanking new, top of the line telescope.... I was "gobsmacked" but so pleased. The timing was perfect because it was the day before you were able to see the planet Venus in the night sky.
For Chris to have done something like this, showed what a genuinely, genorous and empathic man he was. Being a teenager this genuinely moved me and made me realise how special he was. I now realise how so few people are as giving (in every sense of the word) as Chris was and its such a shame to see him go. I'll miss him immensely and i shall treasure his gift always.
Whenever i look at the stars i'll think of him.
All my love always.
Tom Phillips
0 comments »
Too much f***ing perspective!
May 6th, 2007
Christos, we always said you reminded us of Harry Shearer. So with that in mind, Jane, Mark and myself (Timbo) watched "This is Spinal Tap" in your honour last night ! The qoute that sprung out at us, was the scene at Gracelands (Elvis).....and we know that you would laugh your ASS-OFF when we say.... "Kind of puts it in perspective doesn't it ? Yeah,..... too much F*cking perspective !!!"
Also, as an after thought, and to paraphrase the words of Neil Young (which I know you would approve) "Hey hey my my, Rock and Roll will never die" ..........and neither will YOU ever, because of the wonderful memories you have left us. One particular occasion springs to mind !
Christos and Timbo in THE EDWARD THE 7th Pub, Stratford, E.15....(where we could be found most evenings in the early 90's....lets be honest) We, as per usual, selected some appropriate music from the duke-box which on this occasion included "Please, Please" by James Brown. Being extremely inebriated, I decided to do my impression of Mr. Brown which included me dropping to my knees, IN THE MIDDLE OF A CROWDED PUB, at the appropriate moment during the song. To my amazement, Chris (knowing exactly what I was doing and being on the same wavelength...i.e. DRUNK) picked up a long overcoat which I was using at the time, and draped it across my shoulders....in exactly the same way that James Brown had his backing singers do "live" on stage.
IT WENT DOWN SO WELL, WE GOT A ROUND OF APPLAUSE !!!
Well, that was it wasn't it !......for several weeks after that, we gave nightly performances to both friends, collegues and the unknown locals (who didn't quite know what the hell was going on)....and i'm sure to this day it's why i've got such bad knees ????? So I have you to blame Chris for my arthritic legs....but I wouldn't change it for the world.
I didn't have to ask him to do what he did, Chris instinctively JUST DID IT....but then HE ALWAYS DID READ THE SITUATION PERFECTLY !!! We always had such a great time (rounded off with a greasy kebab at the end of the evening)
How can this man EVER be forgotten......when he brought so much fun and laughter to mine and SO MANY others lives. Quite simply, he won't, not as long as we have memories such as this...and many more besides. Love always (and as Chris used to say "be good to each other")
TIMBO xxxxxxxxxx.
P.S. Will post some pic's and an original Christos cartoon when I get a moment. 0 comments »