1990 - 2000
Despite moving 30 miles to the north I continued working in High Wycombe but travelling got a lot easier in 1991 when the M40 Motorway was finally opened throughout from London to the Midlands. Life settled down again until 1993 when in a moment of madness we purchased a Timeshare Apartment (located in Costa del Sol, Spain) but as we have also joined an Exchange Scheme we can enjoy luxurious holidays for evermore (provided we keep paying the Maintenance Fees!). In 1997 we decided to have a conservatory built so we can now sit and admire the garden any time of the year whatever the weather. In 1999 Richard started his BSc (Hons.) Engineering Course at the University of the West of England (U.W.E.) in Bristol whilst James started a BA Graphic Design Course at Coventry University in 2000. This has cost us a small fortune as we have had to pay their fees (thanks to the Government).
2000 - Date
The year 2001 was nothing like the film (apart from being a disaster story). In February the UK began to suffer from its worst outbreak of Foot & Mouth Disease which lasted for over six months and devestated both the farming and tourist industries. Regrettably my mother became ill and died in April, following this I was made redundant again in June when Rye was taken over by an Italian Company whose first action was to get rid of most of the workforce. Fortunately, after just a few weeks of unemployment I was able to find another design job with Winchester Engineering, a small family run company based in Aylesbury, just 15 miles down the A41. Of course the shocking events of September 11th will always remain as a grim reminder of the horrors of this world caused by mankind. One happier event occured in October when my wife & I celebrated our Silver Wedding Anniversary with a nine day visit to the far east including a trip on the famous 'Eastern Orient Express' from Bangkok (Thailand) to Singapore - quite an experience!
After a fairly quiet year in 2002, this year has been quite hectic. Sadly the year began with the rapid deteriation of my step-dad who had been battling with prostate cancer for some time and he died peacefully in his sleep in April. Both sons have now finished University, Richard putting his engineering skills to good use building canal boats whilst James is still looking for a permanent job despite gaining a BA (hons) Degree in Graphic Design. However, he and his fiancee did produce our first grandson in April so we are now becoming quite skilled at grandparenting. Both my wife & I are enjoying our reduced working week (down to four days) and the extra long weekends even more so.
Electronic mail address
davidncooke_686@yahoo.co.uk