Growing Pains
(As if I ever would)

The Faulkner Family L-R
Margaret Ann (Grandmother) (Mad Jack) John Faulkner (Grandfather) Bessie, Nellie, Hannah
Circa 1915

The Gilpin Family L-R
John Thomas (Grandfather) Enid, John Gilpin, Irene (Mum) Edith (Grandmother)
Circa 1922

Enid, (mums sister), Irene (Mum) Edith
Teenagers late 1930's

And then...............after the war

This happened!

Harold Faulkner and Irene Gilpin on their Wedding Day

Honeymoon in Llandudno - Very daring in those days

Harold - Jenny - Irene

Yes, It's Me. at Sunnyvale Holiday Camp ca1959

It's me again, and big sister, Jennifer at Sunnyvale Holiday Camp ca1959
I was a chocoholic even then!

What is it about Hand me Down Clothes
When your elder sibling is a girl it kind of
makes a big difference to a young boy!!

That's more like it, This is how a boy was meant to be brought
up.  Now where can I get me a big pike like that monster. 

Just when life was getting interesting,
they pack me off to school. I was stuck
there for years, and never got the hang of it,..

Big Sister Jennifer and me Ready to go
To the Whit Sunday Walks in Ancoats- Manchester
circa 1964

Class of 63  in the Church Grounds of Carrington Church School for Infants

Still, There was always....Fishing!!

1965 - See what I mean. - 1966

1967 -Doh, It just gets worse and worse. - 1968

Ca 1967 Me Mum and Jenny(sister)
Carrington Vicarage Gardens

Still

There was always, the outdoors Me and Dad Fishing! 


Mull                                                         Glen Trool

Not even Digital dodging
 is going to improve this
1973
Not too long after this was taken I discovered Beer

A Military Career beckons

R.A.F. Halfa on Malta. Air Cadets Summer Camp
(Me? kneeling FR 3rd  from right)
July 1974

R.A.F.VR(T) Officer Training Course RAF Newton
(Me? Standing MR 3rd  from Left)
ca July 1979

I resigned my commission just about the time the Falklands conflict kicked off,
Coincidence? I think somebody shouted "Bang" and that was enough for me.
Cowardice? Not really, only in my feet.

Spike Milligan once said " How is it, that when one man runs away, its cowardice. When a whole army runs away, its a retreat?"

Moving on......................

 
I met Audrey who showed immense courage in 
Marrying me on the 5 Dec 1981!


Still stunning in Sept 87 (Ageing)


Mum and Dad Faulkner ca 1990 (Wedding Anniversary Llandudno)

Audrey - Sept 2001

Me at Bernie's Bash Feb 01- (I prefer Beer but wine will have to do)
(LMC Unofficial Meet - The Day Foot and Mouth Broke out)


15 March 2002 Just after an operation that laid me off work for 8 weeks!
It's Taken 44 years to get to this.
was it really worth all the effort?
(There is no need to answer, it is rhetorical question!)

A rare site, Audrey and me on the same Photo! (28 Dec 02)

Still, there's always, Climbing, Walking, Fishing, Shooting, Running, Training,
Mountain Biking, work and, Oh yes and don't forget...................Beeeeeeer!!

25 APRIL 03 Fishing in Loch Goil, where I used to fish with my Dad 33 years ago,  It felt like stepping back in time,
 they were some of the happiest days of my life. The location is exactly the same as I remember, except that now
Wild Camping is not allowed. Dad and me spent many happy weeks there, Catching our food in the Sea Loch,
wandering the hills and woodlands. The locals were friendly! At the age of 15 I had my first pint of beer in a pub with
 my Dad, up the road at Carrick Castle. I think I ever only went in a pub with him 3 or 4 times in my life, mostly towards
the end of his life. Mainly because mum didn't like him to drink (she had a well meaning slight temperance streak in her- 
which fortunately didn't rub off on me). I miss them both.

The Gathering
Grandmother Gilpin's side)
(Faulkner Healey and Howard's)

Audrey November 2006!

Our Silver Wedding Party 2nd December 2006 

a dubious character indeed.

Fat Bloke at Sty Head Pass
Great Gable (Pentax K200D)
22.08.09

Audrey at Acton Scott Farm
 (Pentax K200D)
30.08.09


Audrey
Turkey (Pentax K200D)
30.08.09

Tea and Cakes at the Lowry
(Pentax K200D)
10.11.09

9
"Are you listening to me?"
Birkenhead Ferry Cafe
(iPhone 3\G - Pudding Cam App)
11.08.06


"I wish you would put that thing away!"
Birkenhead Ferry Cafe
(iPhone 3\G-Instagram App Filter)
11.08.06

"I wish you would put that thing away!"
The Lowry
Pentax K7
12.04.31