Hi All,
As I am older than Carl and been visiting Sheldon for longer than he has been there I reckon I am part of the history of the place.
I remember Hillary when she was young and unblemished by our rowdy group visits and her sense of impending panic as our loaded minibus, elongated with a canoe trailer, arrived at a non arranged time to disrupt the peace of Sheldon.
I remember the arrival of a young doctor with a smile to melt you, a resolve of steel and an administrators zeal that would frighten any mere mortal. Was she called Sarah?
I remember,before even Carl arrived,sleeping in the room above the porch in the farmhouse and gazing at the shiny new hot water cylinder in the cupboard, which did`nt have a door on it. At least it did`nt make the terrible running noise which came,about 50 times a night, from the cold water tank in the big dormitory.We never did realise that the only way to stop it was not to drink anything for 6 hours before going to bed so you didn`t have to get up in the night to get rid of what you did drink for 6 hours before going to bed.
I remember the loud conversations late at night outside the main door and the gentle reprimands the following day.
I remember the staff finally giving up in desperation at my cavalier attitude and Carl,the peacemaker, telling me very firmly that I must not upset his women and if I did I would be expelled from Sheldon. Did I notice a twinkle in his eye when I stood there telling him what he wanted to hear?
I remember establishing the world record for the number of people sleeping in the building-109.
I remember my interrogation by the Sheldon Court. A seemingly friendly, but formidable occasion, held in the kitchen courtroom where I was found guilty of allowing an unknown member of my party to rip the fabric of one of the armchairs in the newly converted Linney.It was of course a put up job.Hillary`s dog did it,but and I was found guilty all the same and duly fined.
I remember committing the greatest sin of them all. Allowing people to camp on Carl`s pride and joy-his lawn.
I`m sure I can just remember Carl when he was young,long haired and bohemian.Well it`s the red wine that changed him.
I remember happy times. A job well done.Peace and frenetic activity.Warmth,concern,love and support.My mum,Carl,Sue,Hillary and others who I never got to know.The little chapel and lives changed.In fact I don`t remember Sheldon I live it and will be back.
Trouble is I can`t remember what I did yesterday!
The book is on my Christmas list.Mum is getting it for me.
Love to you all,
John (Robbins)