George and I left Mayfield at the same time and our friendship lasted up to when we were called up for National Service. I was three months older than George so I started my two years slightly ahead of him, but we were both posted to the Royal Artillery at Oswestry. Naturally, George eventually became a PTI and completed his service days at Oswestry, meeting Dee there who would eventually become his wife. George and I lost touch for thirty years and only met up by chance through a mutual friend, the year was now 1998. We would meet up once a month for a few beers and the occasional bar-bq. It was a good time, but the past had not been kind to George. After thirty stressful years in the Police Force, and the sad loss of a daughter; the stress showed. Then in February 2000, George drove his wife to work (they lived in Hornchurch) and went home, having told Dee he was not feeling well. He died, sitting in his favourite chair. The funeral was well attended at Upminster, mostly by old Police mates, family and their friends. I still get a lump in my throat when I think of that day.
– Laurie Kingston