Memories of Don

I first met Don at a Devon Social Group (DSG) get together back in late 2003. Both of us were on the lookout for new friends and perhaps new romantic adventures. In those early days we met a nice group of people who became good friends over the years. Some memorable events:

Speed dating in Exeter where we each had 10 minutes to talk a selection of ladies to see if we might be compatible for a future meeting. Don was the first to meet a fierce female warder from Dartmoor Prison who was masquerading as a sumo wrestler in disguise. That proposed date we decided to forget and vowed never to visit her establishment. It quite put us off speed dating for a while.

Having afternoon tea with Rowland DeVay the boss of Anderton and Roland funfair on Tor Abbey Green. It was a bit like have tea with royalty with exquisite china cups, cakes and a caravan that seemed bigger than my house. Don certainly new interesting people.

Parties at Don’s house in Buckland Monachorum where there was an interesting mix of young and old. Particular excitement was generated late in the evening when the boys took to their bikes for  wheelie wobbles around the village.

Meeting Don on the Lydford cycle track as we walked to Avril’s bench. A dashing figure clad in black Lycra fresh from the Tour De France.

Great BBQs at Don’s house with wonderful food and cakes prepared by Sveta. It always seemed to rain.

Don was a great friend who found happiness in the last part of his life after meeting Sveta, he will be greatly missed. We will put a memorial plaque on the Lydford cycle track bench so we can stop and chat when we walk that way. He greatly liked this idea.

Chris Durbin