Out with the old...

2015 was a very good year for us. We are very fortunate to have enjoyed good health, and the year has been characterised by fellowship with family and friends. It was a year in which as I tried to get to grips with retirement, Tim slipped from retirement into semi-retirement, and ended the year almost working full time. We weren’t able to spend as much time in Le Petit-Pressigny as we thought we might, but the compensation was that we were able to travel.

Time spent with family and friends has been very important. We didn’t dream that we could have made good friends in France in such a short time. If ever there is a problem someone has the answer and is prepared to help out with tools, advice or just a listening ear. Friends have also been very generous with their hospitality. Just a selection of the photographs we've taken this year of friends or their cakes!!. 

Our travels took us first to Switzerland, with our very good friends Stephen and Anne. They were at Loughborough University with Tim in the 1970’s and we have been firm friends ever since - best men, godparents to each others children, holiday companions both in summer and winter for most of the 80’s, 90’s and early 2000’s. We almost  (but not quite)  persuaded them to buy a house in Charnizay!

The weather in Switzerland was fantastic, especially if you want to ski! We had a mix of heavy snow falls and bright sunny days. I am a fair weather skier, and to ski at my best (which isn’t actually very good) require gentle slopes, perfect snow conditions and the kind of light which highlights every imperfection in the snow!! However, I feel that I come alive in the mountains.

Tim turned 60 in March. This was followed by just over a month in Japan, which was amazing. It was good to spend time with Tom and experience Japanese life. The scenery was wonderful, with so much to see. We were there in March/April for cherry blossom which was just as wonderful as the guide books show. Our favourite hotels were the traditional Japanese Ryokans.

Rhiannon went back to university to study social work, graduated in July and is now a qualified social worker. She works very hard in a demanding job, but is making a difference.

In August Tom came back from his two year stint teaching English in Japan to return to university.

Tim visited Shanghai as part of his work, but his visit coincided with a week of almost torrential rain.

Torrential rain has been very much a part of the UK weather this year. We are fortunate not to have been affected, but so many people have had their lives and homes devastated by floods, many of which could have been avoided. Our hearts go out to them as they try to restore some semblance of normality.

Christmas was lovely, and, as we look forward to 2016, I’ll quote from Rhiannon…

“ For the first time in quite a few years (so long none of us can remember when it last was!!) We've spent a magical Christmas all together as 'The Brotherhoods' in our family home, with a couple of added extras!! We have eaten, drunk, laughed, and been truly spoilt with both gifts and love. I can't think of a more fitting way to celebrate my last as Miss RhiBro. Who knows where 'The Dales' will end up in 2016; but I am so excited to find out!!”

So there we have it. So much to look forward to. For us 2016 will herald a wedding, another graduation, and my 60th birthday. However, I also hope it brings with it much happiness, good health and peace for you all.


The New Year is the time of unfolding horizons and the realisation of dreams, may you be able to enjoy the simple pleasures that life has to offer and face the challenges that may come your way. I hope that in 2016 we can also remember, and, do what we can, to help those people with lives that have been torn apart by conflict or natural disaster, and are needing sanctuary or a share of some of the wonderful things we take for granted.