Laurel Cottage

VE Day. 8 May 2020. The 75th Anniversary.

VE Day. The famous ’V’ sign so often attributable to Winston Churchill did in fact originate in occupied Belgium as a sign of defiance against the invaders. It was banned by the Germans, but still appeared everywhere you could scribble a V.

Goodbye Montana.

Goodbye Montana We came to live in Laurel Cottage in 1999. Diddley already lived here. The house looked very different then.

Feeling a bit Wordsworth.

Feeling a bit Wordsworth. Bertie: “You OK, Bobby?” Bobby: “Not really, Bertie. I feel quite discombobulated. Certainly a little pensive. Maybe a bit vacant at times.” Tim: “I hope you’re not feeling at all maudlin, Bobby. I felt you were quite chipper when we met up just a few weeks ago. You really seemed to…

Merry Christmas from Mindfully Bertie.

Merry Christmas from Mindfully Bertie. This is a simple story of wanting to thank all our readers and supporters and wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Keep reading the blog in 2019. We have no idea what will be in it – as we had no idea in 2018. That’s part of the fun….

The Autumn Leaves.

The Autumn Leaves. The rain thundered down at Sutton United and we hid in the stand. Driving home on flooded roads, we knew that this was the beginning of the end of a glorious autumn. The best we could ever remember. The best that is since last year. Especially the Autumn Leaves.

The Wall.

The Wall. This, in Laurel Cottage, is a love affair in three pictures. Most people’s favourite picture is of Diddley and Bobby at the Shredded Wheat factory. So, we are pleased to present to you the three pictures on The Wall.

Laurel Cottage. The home of Mindfully Bertie.

Laurel Cottage. The home of Mindfully Bertie. A Cottage full of love, memories, grandchildren. Back in 1998 it was quite different. Diddley was already living here. Facing losing it in unpleasant divorce. When, at the eleventh hour and fifty nine minutes, newly married she was able to email the entire office she and Bobby worked…