Charlie

As part of the 'Planting Trees for the Queen's Jubilee', Blackheath Rhodo Festival Committee received a grant and purchased trees for Govetts Leap Road.
These were planted this morning by former Rhododendron Queens and Princesses or members of their family.

I met Charlie in the hall afterwards, where we had a delicious morning tea and discovered he'd been the town crier who had led the festival procession for several years.

It didn't take much persuasion for him to allow me to take his photo. He's holding a photo of himself and partner at the first Rhodo Ball, in 1953.

I found it hard to believe that Charlie is 86!

A quick change of clothes and off to a farewell barbeque for a colleague who retired three years ago, so I'll catch you all later.