Memories of Dad - Helen (Russia Trip) In 1991, Dad had the opportunity to accompany me on a school trip to Russia – a place he had always wanted to visit. Despite being in the midst of a coup, our trip went ahead on a 10 day tour of St. Petersburg, Novgorod and Moscow. We flew with Aeroflot (Or AeroFLOP as Dad used to call it!) Dad the eager photographer, was determined to take photo’s and after a couple of days, I remember Dad recounting how he had attracted some unwanted attention and had been followed by men in long black coats thought to have been the KGB. * Despite technically being one year under age, he also let me try lemon vodka which he picked up for a mere USD$2 a bottle! * On our last day we toured the Kremlin and after eating cabbage, cabbage and cabbage for 10 days we had the afternoon free to do what we liked. Most of the group headed off to the newly opened McDonalds but Dad and I, with map in hand decided to try and find our way to Moscow Zoo. Struggling to match the long Russian alphabet against underground stations on our map and with a little help from some Russians eager to practice their English, we emerged from the station amidst snow falling and outside the zoo entrance. The trip was a day to remember as we talked to an English speaking zoo keeper, who after finding out I worked part-time at Bristol Zoo, where Mum and Dad also volunteered, he took us on a guided, behind the scenes tour. We were only inches away and shown a remarkable collection of some of the most poisonous and rarest snakes in the world. What an experience, especially when we were given a demonstration by the ‘Spitting Cobra’! * Our Russian adventure was not quite over though. Flying home we all passed through border security without any problem except Dad. After 10 minutes or so scrutinizing him and his passport, he was “escorted away” and questioned. In the end, our entire flight was delayed 30 minutes until they had finished with him. Dad and I were left to assume that this had occurred because he had had to sign the “Official Secrets Act” some years prior for a job he had worked on or because he had been followed after drawing attention to himself from all the photo’s he was taking of Russian Military during a coup! (Photography) We all used to groan and joke if Dad said he was going to take a photo of us. Most people would just point and shoot, not Dad. Ten minutes later after “move over there a couple of inches”, “look that way”, “smile”, “hold on” as he gets up and moves a leaf or some other object out of the shot, he would press the shutter. * Dad joined the Sodbury and Yate Photographic Club, followed by David and myself. Over the years he presided as both committee member and as a Chairperson for a number of years. His love of photography never waned and it was something he could still do, even when he was unwell. If he was not taking photographs, he was reading e-books on lighting, macro work or editing his work. * One of my best memories was when I organised a trip to the Island of Skomer – off the Welsh Coast, in order to photograph puffins. Dad loved birds, so to be able to get so close to our subjects, and at one with nature was amazing. Dad and I trekked across the small island, and it wasn’t hard to get a good shot. Fortunately the Puffins even obliged in staying still long enough for Dad to compose and frame his shot – as Dad wasn’t one to be rushed in to pressing the shutter! (Wildlife and Cycling) Other adventures Dad took me on, included badger watching as well as driving up twice to Holme Moss in the Pennines, to watch the Leeds Classic cycle race. In Dads younger days, he had cycled a lot and was an avid fan of the Tour De France, thus commenced a yearly ritual of following the epic endurance race, on the TV. (Dogs – Brydie and Foxy) In 1996 Mum and Dad finally relented and let me have my first dog. ‘Brydie’, a cocker spaniel arrived home and although she was technically my dog, her favourite person was Dad. Many a time we would find ‘Brydie’ curled up asleep near Dad’s head whilst he had his afternoon siestas. Moving away from home, ‘Brydie’ came with me but before long I had found Mum and Dad a new companion, who desperately needed rescuing and a home. ‘Foxy’, a sheltie x Japanese spitz arrived at the age of 5 months and terrified of men. With time and patience ‘Foxy’ was won over by Dad. (final memories from Helen) I attribute Dad for instilling a passion for many of his hobbies and interests within me; notably his love of photography, animals and wildlife, cycling and travel. * After years of growing up and hearing the familiar G3PTO call sign from his passion as a radio ham, finally I have to say this is: Golf, 3, Papa, Tango, Oscar signing off. Goodbye Dad; I love you.