Tarrant & Andrews Family Diary

Toby’s A levels

Hooray!!

Toby got his A level results last Thursday. He got an A for Geography, B for Biology and B for Chemistry. It was a grade lower than Sheffield University had offered him for medicine, but they decided to have him anyway!

Hooray!! Toby’s going to medical school.

He’s decided (in the last couple of weeks, while the rest of us have been away) to have a gap year, so at some point soon he’ll be off round the world. He doesn’t know where he’s going yet, but definitely hopes to have Christmas in Australia with Will and Sarah – on the beach no doubt.

Amazingly proud of him of course. Well done for all the hard work Toby.

Life at the moment

Sorry about the rubbish title, couldn’t think of anything more inspiring as just posting about general life at the moment! Been about 4 months since I last posted -  had a busy summer away in Greece, the lakes and now started college. Posted ages ago that I finished my GCSEs and got my results at the end of August, did very well and have my awards ceremony next week.

Rose has settled very well into Millthorpe  enjoying it and did eventually run her race for life – raising a lot of money. John is in the school production of the Wizard of Oz and has been very busy in the evenings with lots of rehearsals.  College is good very different from Millthorpe and I am enjoying it a lot more.

Everyone is out at the moment at Granny’s (Mary’s)  ceremony as she is becoming a Lay Reader. Going out for a meal at Meltons tonight which will be very nice. Off out into town so I might post sometime soon or it might be in a few more months!

Cindy’s Gravestone

Well at last, Cindy’s gravestone has been put up in the cemetery. We all went this afternoon after Meeting, had a look at it and lit some candles Pat and Maurice had sent for Cindy’s anniversary and birthday.

The text says:

Cindy Michele Tarrant
9.10.1961 – 11.9.2005
run because you can

“Why the tiger?” I hear you ask. It was Rose’s idea, and it comes from something that Cindy used to joke about with the children. She often told them that at night, she unzipped her tail, turned into a tiger and ran around Rowntrees Park. So it really reminds us of her. And it goes well with the lower case writing at the bottom, which is an adaptation of the last sentence in her diary – “Certainly if there is life after death I am going to be a runner and I will run every day because I can.”

If you want to go and see her grave, it’s in York Cemetery (the Victorian one on Cemetery Road near the Barbican) and here’s a map to show you exactly where.

Past Week

I’ve had a great week this week. The weather still hasn’t been very good, but not too bad. Spent a couple of days in town, played some football, saw Shrek 3 and been mountain biking.

Mountain biking was great. My bike didn’t break – this is the first time on 3 attempts that me and my dad have got all the way around the bike trail without my bike breaking! The weather wasn’t very good, lots of rain and the tracks were coated in deeps puddles and mud everywhere. We had such a good time! Came back soaked, coated in mud and the car an absolute mess. I had to have a cold hose down before I could put my trousers in the washing machine, because the layers of mud would have broken it. I’ve got a couple of pictures that we took at the end which I’ll upload.

Rose got her SATs results yesterday, but I don’t what they are because she is sleeping at a friends all weekend. Dad and John are in London watching Live Earth – very exciting! I sleep at my friends house and I’ve got back from town so I’m about to have some lunch. Oh and I’ve got a new phone the Samsung u600 which is very nice!

Go to Greece in 2 weeks!

Great Yarmouth!

Got back from Yarmouth last night after an exhausting journey, but having had a great time. The first train journey took 6 hours due to flooding on the tracks so we didn’t get in until 7. Had a good first night with me and Josh cooking Pizza with a chocolate pudding and then we went out for a midnight walk along the beach.

The second day was a bit cloudy, but we walked down the beach and went on some of the amusements. Had fish and chips on the pier and went in some of the tacky shops! That used up most of the day. Katie and Jenny cooked tea that evening and then we had a party with some other people staying who had also just finished their GCSEs.

On Wednesday we went down to the beach and it was very sunny. We went in the sea and on Josh’s inflatable whale which I bought him for his birthday. Found this lovely cafe on the seafront and bought a toasted teacake, soup and a bread roll for £3 – great value. Got all dressed up and went out for a lovely curry in the evening.

On the final morning we had sausages for breakfast and went for a last walk along the beach, whilst getting ice cream. Had to rush to get the train, but made it in time. Journey took four hours so was still an hour slow, but not too bad. Had a great time and I’ll post some pictures when I get them in a bit.

Rose’s Race for life has been delayed until July due to rain – so there’s still time to sponsor her if you haven’t yet! Hope everyone’s ok. Bye

Past couple of days

Had a good couple of days recently, although the weather hasn’t been very good. Spent Friday in town with friends – dashing into random shops when the heavens opened. It was my friends party last night and he was quite worried because it was going to be outside and it had been raining. Got luck though and the rain stopped at about 6 and then didn’t start up again till this morning, so it was a good party.

Haven’t really done much this morning. Spent the morning recovering at my friends house then played badminton this afternoon. Had some tasty lamb chops for tea and I’ve just got in from my run around the river. (Second one in 3 days – that’s dedication for me!) Dad’s downstairs having his birthday meal with Helen, Josh and Sharon. John cooked the meal and it looks delicious. I’ll be off now and I’ll try and write again before I go away on Monday.

Dad’s birthday

Dad’s birthday yesterday. Got a nice selection of presents. A hand made pillow cover from Rose (made by Rose), a hand cooked meal from John, and I got him a bag for his bike! I think I get most marks for effort! G & G gave him some money because he keeps on thinking on getting a new bike and can’t decide if it’s worth it. Went out for a lovely meal at La Piazza. Good as Usual.

Today I’ve spent the day in Leeds with friends and bought some new clothes for the hols. Looking forward to Greece very much. Everyone’s out at the moment seeing John’s play that he has done with his theatre group. Got a busy week ahead, and I’m going away with friends next week to Great Yarmouth! Should be great. Anyway I’m off out now, so bye.

Dad turns 39!!!

Believe it or not dad is now 39 which considering I’m 16 still makes him pretty young, but still he’s almost 40! We’re off out for a meal tomorrow night at La Piazza one of the best Italian’s in York – defiantly our favourite. I cooked today for the first time in about a year. I made mussels in a white wine sauce, with hand cut chips. It was delicious. Not at school, but still being incredibly busy – didn’t manage to get everything done today; probably because most of days start at about half eleven! Anyway I’ll be off because I have to get up tomorrow to give dad his present before J & R leave for school – so up at half 7!!!!

Finished GCSEs!

Just finished taking my GCSEs so I’m on holiday for the next three months. Very happy! Got to wait till August until I get my results though, but they were quite easy.

Toby

Race for Life

Rose is doing the Race for Life in aid of Cancer Research UK. It’s a 5km run around the Knavesmire on June 27^th. Quite a lot of her friends are doing the run too, so it should be fun.

You can sponsor her online here.

Rose’s Website

Rose has got a website here.

John and Toby Have a Day Off

Millthorpe have got a training day today, so John and Toby are at home.  John and I are going together to Tropical World in Leeds to look at butterflies and things and then coming home for Rose’s assembly – she won a £10 voucher in a raffle for people who cycled to school (!) and is going to have it presented to her this afternoon.

There was a fantastic article by Mark Thomas in yesterday’s Guardian all about the withdrawal of the right to protest near the Houses of Parliament.  Apparently people are protesting about this by sticking to the letter of the law – and producing huge amounts of paperwork for the police.

Badminton with Simon

I won. Hooray.

Very close though.  It’s always great having a really good run around and getting disgustingly hot and sweaty.

Millthorpe Open Evening

On Monday evening Rose and I went up to Millthorpe for their open evening. It’s very odd to think that next year I won’t have any children at Scarcroft – for the first time in 11 years! I’m already missing the morning school run, because Rose is walking to school by herself and next year I won’t get the afternoon one either. When on earth will I pick up all the gossip – or some days talk to anyone at all!

John was busy at school being a model pupil in a French class, which we went to watch. We managed to avoid having to listen to the head’s talk, which was a relief because he isn’t the world’s greatest speaker. We vaguely wandered around looking at bits and pieces – fantastic art rooms – but I couldn’t be bothered to think of any intelligent questions to ask pupils or teachers. As Rose said when I asked her if she wanted to go and look around All Saints, “Not really, I’m going to go to Millthorpe, aren’t I?”

I’m a Member

Richard Ogden popped in on his way home from Monthly Meeting to say that I’ve been accepted as a member of Meeting.

After 16 or so years of attending it feels more like an acknowledgement of a relationship that already exists than anything else!  Now I’ll have to make sure I’m good at saying no to more committees!

Cindy’s Birthday

It would have been Cindy’s birthday tomorrow so we went out for a meal with Lance and Mary to celebrate. A good way to spend her pension. We would have gone out on the day itself, but it’s the Millthorpe open evening – John needs to go as a model pupil and Rose and I are going to look around in preparation for next year.

All Busy – except Toby!

Toby had his first weekend lie in for ages as the paper shop has now shut, so he’s unemployed.  He’s hoping to get a job in the bike shop where he did his work experience soon, which would make his Saturday’s less leisured than today’s was.

I cycled with John over to Canon Lee for his dancing, and then went into town for coffee.  Rose had Lily over to play during the afternoon – they made burnt chocolate buns!  We had delicious mussels for tea.

John went to Tom’s for a birthday sleepover and I left Rose and Toby “home alone” while I went to the theatre with Sam to see How Many Miles to Basra?  It was very thought provoking – quite heavy and political.

Squash not Badminton – John to YTT

Yesterday I taught Luigi and Clara – for the first time this week as they’ve been in Italy. I had lunch with my dad and then went off to play badminton with Mark.

Unfortunately, there was a school using all the badminton courts, so we ended up playing squash and as I’m no good at squash he beat me. Pah!

John went to Youth Theatre Yorkshire at the Theatre Royal in the evening. Another new activity for a new year. It was his third session, and he really enjoyed it again. They’re doing things related to Sing Yer Hearts Out for the Lads so it was all football chants last night.

I was worn out so went to bed early.

Coffee with Andrea and Rose’s Yoga

I had coffee with Andrea this morning – two hours putting the world to rights.

Rose went for her third yoga session and really enjoyed it again. We’ve been looking for a children’s yoga class for a while and these have finally started up – and they’re dead local. She goes with Gemma and at the moment there are only the two of them in the class. They were doing handstands – definitely more than I can manage!

Memories of Cindy

Cathy Holman and Chris Hughes wrote this wonderful piece about Cindy for the Meeting Book of Memories.

Cindy Tarrant

It was a real gift and a pleasure in our lives to have been a friend of Cindy Tarrant.

Cindy was born on the 9th of October 1961, the middle daughter of Pat and Maurice. Her sister, Jayne was 2 years older and Mandy 4 years younger. Cindy lived in a house by the sea, which her father had built and her love of the sea remained with her throughout her life. Cindy cycled 4 miles daily to her primary school and moved onto secondary in Chichester. She attended two sixth forms in order to study for the A levels she was most interested in. Cindy always enjoyed sewing and knitting and made many of her own clothes. Cindy went on to the University of Surrey, the first person in her family to go to University. She was determined to follow a career path which she knew was for her and all her life took a pride in furthering her knowledge and skills in Home Economics and teaching. During her finals Cindy managed to fit in making her sister’s wedding dress.

Following her degree and her teaching qualification Cindy worked at Sarah Bonnell School in Newham. Cindy loved the work and enjoyed being a member of a hard working team however her love for travelling won out and she began a round the world journey with a good friend, Karen Cseleda. She was always ready to meet new people, travel to new places and was optimistic and cheerful about the future. They travelled through India, Nepal, Tibet, China and Hong Kong arriving in Australia. She made connections with people and formed relationships which endured the years, despite years of little contact. Cindy worked in Australia in the catering industry before heading off to travel again. She met Edward on her travels and they wandered Asia together, meeting many people who were touched by her flair and energy but also by her friendship and care.

They returned to this country for a while and Cindy took up her teaching before heading off again with Edward to South East Asia and Australia. Whilst in Australia Edward applied and was accepted to study at York University and they planned to have children once Edward graduated. However the children did not wait that long to arrive and Toby was born in 1991. Cindy got a temporary job while pregnant and worked after the birth of Toby and after the births of John and Rose. Cindy worked long hours with travelling on top and she did a lot of the work around the house. She did this all with good humour and grace.

Meeting for Worship and Quakers became very important to Cindy, having attended at Westminster when she was working in Newham. When she and Edward moved to York they began attending at Acomb Meeting, which they found friendly and welcoming. They moved to worship at Friargate Meeting following the birth of Toby. Cindy and Edward were married in Friargate on 22nd August 1992. Cindy was a valued member of the Friargate community and had a clear sense of her own spiritual beliefs. She was loved by many. Her wonderful laugh, her dismissal of pomposity or verbosity and her readiness to contribute, enriched our communal life beyond measure. Cindy was never daunted by tasks, no matter their nature or size. Cindy just got on with things. Her cooking and baking were sublime and the residents at the Arc Light project for the homeless regularly thanked Quakers for and commented on her sticky toffee pudding. Cindy took on the jobs no one wanted, including running the Link group, organising rotas and spending many Sunday mornings in crèche or Fox group. She organised numerous meals at Barmoor, enlivened the knitting and book groups and gave us much to think about. She could make things so easily, be it a wedding dress or costumes for John’s dance company. Cindy was hospitable and was really good at connecting with people. She had many friends.

Cindy loved clothes and especially shoes; she adored good coffee and food, loved parties, enjoyed electronic gadgets and was such fun to be with. At the age of 36 and with children aged 6, 2 and 1, Cindy was diagnosed with lung cancer. She had a lung removed followed by radiotherapy and it looked for several years that the cancer had gone. Unfortunately it returned and Cindy faced her illness and the treatment with such an enormous amount of courage and bravery, it left us all staggering.

Cindy was a wonderful mother. She was immensely proud of all her three children, loved them dearly and was determined to continue treating them exactly as she always had, despite knowing that she would not live long. Her love for Edward was clear and as they both struggled at times through some of the horrors of Cindy’s illness we could see how important this was to get them through.

What more to be said – she was hopeless at receiving presents and I suppose compliments too. It is hard to accept that Cindy, our energetic, inspirational, fun-loving, giggly, loving, thoughtful, giving, caring friend has gone and is not coming back. She had so much to offer and in her too short life she was so generous with her time, her friendship and her many talents.

Cindy kept a diary called “Having A Good Time: thoughts about my family and other things.” The very last thing she wrote in it was

“How can I not think every day that time is limited, especially when I wheeze just climbing the stairs. Certainly if there is life after death I am going to be a runner and I will run every day because I can.”

We love her and miss her.

Well – long time no post

I’ve really got out of the habit of writing here – partly because it felt as though I was trying to say the same things in different ways all the time!

Anyway – I’ll start again and see how I go this time round.We had a good summer holiday, visiting Mandy and David, going to Wales with all the extended family and going to Florence with Helen and David.

John has started secondary school at Millthorpe, Rose is in year 6 at Scarcroft with a new male teacher (who was on my PGCE course) whom she really likes, and Toby is working hard in year 11.

I’m doing some tutoring of Clara and Luigi, who’s mother has taken them out of school.

Over the summer I managed to do some yoga most days, and am still trying to keep that going. Rob has stopped doing daytime classes which is a shame, so I’ve started going to an evening class – longer and more difficult, but good. I feel a lot better for doing a little each day.

I’ve been out a lot to the theatre – notably recently to The Man with Two Gaffers with Judy and Keith, To Kill a Mockingbird with Toby and A One Man Star Wars Trilogy with Mark. Also still having coffe or lunch with friends – many thanks to Mark, Cathy, Kath, Andrea and Michelle. Still playing badminton whenever possible with Mark and Simon.

Life is busy and generally fun!

Emma

We stopped off at Katharine and Simon’s on our way home from Holland to see Emma.

She was born on the 31 May 2006, so was 3 days old when we saw her. She’s lovely.

Katharine and Simon and Thomas looked well too. I hope they weren’t too overwhelmed by their visitors.

Half Term in Holland

Over half term we went to one of the Center Parcs in Holland. We drove via the Eurotunnel, then stopped at Antwerp on the way there and Bruges on the way back. All together I drove 1015 miles!! A bit too much really.

Once we were there though we had a great time. There was a big “tropical” swimming pool, with slides and waves and bubble pools and so on, where we spent most of our time. We also went climbing, played badminton and bowling and played a couple of board games. We had most of our meals out, and on one evening cooked a huge indoor barbeque.

We’d rented bikes – traditional Dutch one gear, back pedal brake, sit up and beg things they were. There were no cars allowed on the site except on leaving and arriving days, so we could all cycle round without worrying about bumping into anything.

It was great spending time with Will, Sarah, Jack and Grace, particularly as they are leaving for Australia in September.

The stop in Bruges on the way home was fantastic. Will had found an amazingly central hotel, we had a nice Italian meal and spent the lovely warm evening wandering around the beautiful city. There seemed to be loads to do there, lots of galleries and museums, and it would be a good place to go back to. You can get there easily via Eurostar, so maybe some weekend…

John and Boodle

… came for supper. Very nice evening.

We watched quite a lot of the Eurovision Song Contest, which was won by some Finns in orc costumes. How strange.

Phoenix Dance

John and I went to see Stories in Red the current Phoenix Dance production at the WYP last night. John has gone a couple of times before, but with Cindy, so I’ve never seen them before.

It was quite strange, and very gripping. Some of the dances didn’t have much of what I would think of as “dancing” in them, but that is probably just my ignorance! We saw Jeanetta, who used to teach John dance, and John would like to go back, as long as Isaac will go too. That’s a result in itself.