Jan and of course David have been a huge part of my life and that of my dear wife Birte and our children. So a few words about both Jan and Dave.It all started about 70 years ago when David and I at the age of 13 started at a new school, Heles in Exeter. David’s father ( Uncle Reg) and mother (Auntie Kath) had purchased Westwood farm just outside Exeter and I had just moved from Exmouth to Exeter. We were the "new boys”. I had many happy times at the farm and David and I often helped out and sometimes borrowed Uncle Reg’s shot gun to go after pigeon and rabbits. There was no such thing then as Health and Safety! David’s parents became good friends of my own parents and we often all went out together, including a great trip to Scotland.
David and I then went off to National service but even during that time we had some great trips on our motorbikes and we also both became hooked on Jowett Javelins - luxury motoring!
Then as the years progressed David met the lovely Jan and I believe one of them had a flat in Worple Road Wimbledon, which I often visited and I believe Jan was a member of Young Conservatives. When Jan and David decided to tie the knot I had the pleasure of being their Best man and that probably prompted me to find a lovely lady, my dear wife Birte. In due course we were delighted to hear that Dave and Jan had bought Church Cottage, although it subsequently took a while to get used to low ceilings! Us four newly weds had so many happy times together at our house and theirs with loads of dinner parties and even had a budget trip to Paris - by air - and abroad! Having said that I do remember we were a bit concerned when we saw the transport standing on the tarmac at Lydd airport in Kent- a rather tired old aircraft which had its nose in the air and noticed there were sheep wandering about the place - again no Health and Safety. However we got there and back safely and had a whale of a time in gay Paree. ( I do remember however we were a bit upset to see the cooked tiny wild birds in the shop windows).
As time passed David and I then became interested in four wheeled transport, especially Jowetts and I kicked off by buying a 1953 ( quite modern then) Javelin - luxury motoring at budget cost. Subsequently of course Jowetts became a keystone of the Thom household.Jan and David were now becoming well entrenched in the local community at Bickleigh - they both loved every minute of it, giving up the "townie” lifestyle for the relaxed life in the deep Devonshire countryside. I well remember a hilarious concert evening at the village hall with Jan coming on stage, dressed as a music hall Cockney flower seller, singing "My old man says follow the van don’t dilly dally on the way”. We were all in stitches.
From memory at least one of the children was born in Church Cottage because I do remember my wife, a nurse trained in midwifery, coming out. As the family started to grow it then became necessary for our friends to find a larger house and of course this led to the move to Higher Holne. How well I , and my eldest son Paul, remember that move. The highlight was our ceremonial and triumphal carrying of the empty Jowett carcase down the lane to the waiting hire van. I also remember there was an awkward piano to move. At that time I was a bit concerned when I realised how much work was needed on the new house but Jan and Dave of course made a great job of improving everything and stamping their mark on it.
Jan was such a bubbly person with a warm heart and always gave you a warm welcome. We will miss you dear Jan and I thank you so much for you and David for coming into my life and that of my wife and family. Rest in peace both of you and I hope one day we may meet again.
Your old friend Brian.