My uncle Des loved building radio controlled model aircraft. Before he left for Australia I lived with Olive & him in their house in Abridge, Essex, UK for several months while my mum & dad rebuilt/converted a house. I loved my time with Olive & Des... yes I was very homesick but they were so much fun to be around. Des would pick me up from School in his Newspaper van and we would go and fly his model planes for hours until it go dark. I loved that time so much. Des was a lovely man and a very brilliant, and skilled model maker.

He and Olive took me out all the time... at least my memory is of always going places with them. I was so so sad when they left for Australia. Years later Des came to my Wedding in Woodford, Essex and i sat with him chatting for ages. What a lovely bloke he was... just as friendly as I remembered him.

Unfortunately that was the last time I saw him - but I will never forget him or Olive for that time I spent with them back in 1967.

Andrew Herron, 14-09-2011

Thu 15 Sep 2011

I have just come across this post and have to say that I am amazed !!! Thankyou Andrew for those really lovely words. I am Des's daughter Hilary living in Melbourne. Olive and Louise are still in Perth and Joanne lives in Majorca. Andrew - You are Pat's son, whom I have met, and Im sure Ive seen your wedding photos amongst the box of 'old family memories'. It was such a surprise reading this - Your right about Dad - he was a lovely man. Entertaining, Both fun and funny. Every body loved being around him because he was great company. Thank you for this post - Im not sure how it came about but I really enjoyed reading it. I will tell you that Des and Ollie were thankful to have made Australia home - it says a lot about their adventurous, youthful spirit. They had many friends, enjoyed many parties and dad really knew how to dance and enjoy himself. I hope you and your family are well in London

Wed 6 May 2015