Theatre is great when it works. Well that is what old Seth used to say, but he will not say it again. I saw him  heading out into the snow storm. Just like he had done for nigh on seventy years. How he managed being a shepherd with working part time as a clown amazed me. But then he had always loved the land and being on the stage equally.

Some of you might recall the times he and I spent walking the moors or being chased by game keepers. They never allowed us any leeway when it came to catching trout or rabbits. But when Christmas came their families cheered our comic behaviour in school nativity plays. I know this was where Seth got his passion from for being on the stage, how he learned to use make-up. He loved using the makeup to turn him into as a snowman, but with a comical twist. Well the curtains come down on Seth for the last time. It was me who found him, he had found shelter in the lee of a dry stone wall with his sheep. This may be his wake but fill your glasses. Here’s too Seth.

Footnote:

Sadly today a letter arrived with the news that a old family friend from the 1950s had died. Christmas can be a sad time for many, a time when we recall friends and family who are no longer with us. So tonight with this story I raise my glass and try to smile when I think of family and good friends with whom I can no longer share a drink..