I am very fortunate with the friends I have made in my life, When I look at my friendship circle today I have many good friends, but I am extremely lucky to have two best friends; Tony Walsh and Brian Moorehouse.
Tony Walsh is my best friend from my teenage years. He knows where all my secrets and dead bodies are buried, so I'd better keep him close to me. Tony lives in Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary with his lovely wife Lily Walsh. I have known Tony Walsh for over 60 years.
My second 'best friend' is Brian Moorehouse. Brian lives across the road from me in the same village of Haworth with his lovely wife V'ron. IT IS BRIAN AND V'RON'S 47TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY TODAY. Happy anniversary you two lovebirds.
Brian has an allotment across from mine and we share many happy hours together. He and his wife, V'ron are the kindest couple one could hope to meet and since we became good, then best friends, a number of years ago, there hasn't been one thing he hasn't done for me. In fact, the best description of Brian is: Think of the best neighbour in the world, think of the best friend you could possibly have, think about the one person you would want standing beside you if you were fighting a war and wanted your back watching, think about= someone who would happily give you their last penny without you needing to ask for it if needed, think about somebody who makes a point of visiting older and more vulnerable neighbours to check them out, think about the village person who knows everyone who is worth knowing and who is on first-name terms with the Big Issue seller in the village and always gives her some little food parcel whenever he passes her and has a chat with her; think about all these types of people, roll them up into one jolly person who is Father Christmas to all (all year round) and you have BRIAN MOOREHOUSE, Haworth resident par excellence.
As for V'ron, Brian's lovely wife, all I can say about her qualities as an individual is 'She's a better person than her husband! Always has been and always will be!'
Forgive my late anniversary wishes in the day, but Sheila and I spent the morning at Leeds Hospital. I am glad to say that my wounds are healing nicely from my recent neck cancer operation. Have a super anniversary you two love birds. Here is a little song for you both. Being of Irish extraction, instead of singing you a romantic luvvy-duvvy song, I am singing you a good old rousing Irish number that I know you will appreciate more.
Have a happy 47th anniversary and save a drink for me when we next see each other. Thank you for being the best friends of Bill and Sheila Forde.
Love and peace Bill and Sheila Forde xxx