A herd of children running around sand dunes and a beach. Teenagers sitting together trying to look disinterested. Parents cooking food on a barbecue on the sand, which is still warm from the beautiful day.
It gets dark. More teenagers congregate. Parents open the wine and a guitar is produced. Everyone gathers around the fire on the beach, blankets on their knees. People take turns singing songs and everyone joins in the chorus. The younger children are getting tired and cuddle into their parents. The teenagers look tentatively at their heart's desire across the fire.
There are a few nationalities there. Two Liverpudlians who can sing any Beatles song. French students. Dubs.... Finally the children are put to bed in the mobile homes on the other side of the sand dunes. The teenagers are on babysitting duty. Parents continue to sing into the night.
Many years have passed. Five couples, families and their children, now with grandchildren. We all gather in Ventry every year....still. The parents are now lovingly called 'The Wrinklies.' Followed by another group called 'The Wobblies.' Friendships have endured decades.
Children still play freely and happily on the beach. One of the group was taken from us very suddenly this Summer. Ventry will not the same. But the memories are wonderful.. Thank you.... Ray and Maire.
P.S. I'm glad you didn't get to go windsurfing, in the pitch dark, with a torch taped to the front of your board Dad. Sorry for telling on you to Mum. xx
R.I.P. Valerie xxx
