Only Remember the Laughter
Jimmy and June Robertson came to live in Penton Mewsey in 1958 and soon became popular and well-known figures. They both taught in local schools for many years and were involved in various activities from organising a re-creation of the Civil War battle of Andover with the Sealed Knot, to arranging the church-cleaning rota. A completely devoted couple, they had a large and varied circle of friends until Jimmy's death in 2000.
In 2005, June published her second book, Only Remember the Laughter, in which she looks back over the years with humour and keen observation. She describes her childhood in the large Gothic-style family home her grandfather built overlooking Hereford while her parents were out in India. She gives us a worm's eye view of employment on the lower rungs of the glamorous worlds of Norman Hartnell and Constance Spry and, later, in Government House in Australia working for the wife of the Governor General.
When she finally agreed to marry Jimmy (whom she first met when she was 9 months and he was 8 years old) she became an army wife. Jimmy was an officer in the Royal Artillery and had served through World War Two, including the relief of Arnhem. A powerful individual, he resigned after 25 years and together they trained as teachers.
June describes how they turned Rose Cottage into a happy home for themselves and a succession of Labradors, of whom Sophie is the latest. There were many lively events, which many of us remember, such as the production of A Midsummer Nights Dream in the garden, which kept June's guardian angel working hard.
She devotedly nursed first her mother and then Jimmy through their last illnesses. Those were sad and demanding times, which she relates with candour and love and acknowledgment for all the kind support she received. Since Jimmy's death, June has kept busy especially with her project to return her father's family treasures to their home in Ireland with the Limerick Civic Trust.
June's book is full of wisdom and charm illuminated by gratitude for her interesting life. Her gift is always to find the best in people where possible and to find the humour in any situation.
The book is £9.95 from:
June Robertson, Rose Cottage, Newbury Hill, Penton Mewsey, Hants SP11 0RW.
Post & packing
UK £1.50 (+ £1.00 per extra copy)
EC £2.50 (+ £1.50 per extra copy )
Rest of World £4.00 (+ £2.50 per extra copy).