Thank you for visiting this page in memory of Fred. I'm sorry if it seems as if I am always on the scrounge but so many people have told me they would like to make a charity donation and I know from experience that Justgiving.com is a really easy way to let everyone know.

Choosing a charity was always going to be a tough call. Dad was a particularly generous guy and and there was always a good reason for him to donate. A particular favourite was the good old Salvation Army whose hospitality he always remembered with affection from a stay in their Liverpool hostel during World War II when he was posted with the Royal Navy. Obviously, there is the Landing Craft Association with which he was very much involved.

Then there is his distinguished Fire Brigade career and latterly, almost every charity mailing which came through the door of Stonegate Drive would prompt him to dig out his cheque book. "Well, they have sent me an umbrella/set of puppy postcards/sticky labels with our address on them. And besides, I'm only sending £2.00!" It took me ages to convince him that his two squids, rather than taking him off the mailing list, was a surefire way to secure himself a lifetime's supply of solicitous mailings and yet more puppy postcards and sticky address labels....

Like many other everyday heroes whose vocation it is to work in the emergency services, Dad preferred to demonstrate his uncomplicated but nevertheless strong Christian faith in an utterly practical way and with a notably muscular piety.

Since his retirement, he has attended St Giles' Church in Pontefract, where his funeral was held on 9th January 2009. A Service of Thanksgiving and Interment of Ashes will be held on Friday 8th May at 12 Noon at St Joseph's Church, also in Pontefract where he & Mum were married on 5th October 1946. While we were still in Hong Kong, Dad regularly took myself and Rory to Mass in the small chapel at the Mariners' Club in Tsim Sha Tsui which is run by The Mission to Seafarers.

It is a relatively unsung charity - but one which was very close to his ex-Navy heart - which provides invaluable support of every kind to sailors and their families in ports all over the world. If you would like to make a donation in Fred's memory, I know they will be most grateful. Thanks to all for wonderful, warm memories and tributes to Fred - a very 20th century life, impeccably and very fully lived.

Thanks again - Dominique

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Mission To Seafarers gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.