Dad is home from hospital and on the mend, although a little forgetful, still is much sharper than he has been of late. He's got a permanent catheter at the moment which he isn't pleased about, he got lots of cards from old shipmates and ex RMB, thankyou. Do you know he got none from family apart from me, what a shame.

All the best Claire X

Hi Rich,

I hope you are suitably refreshed from your recent vacation. I heard of Vic Sylvester`s latest from Bill Hartland and as my daughter works in the same hospital he is in I asked her to pop in and see him.

I served with him at CTCRM and he IS a true gent' and first class B/M. He also let me draw a clarinet from the store when my daughter had the chance to take lessons at school.

This is the reply e mail she sent after her visit,

Cheers Pete.

----Original Message----
From: Sara.Foster@pbh-tr.nhs.uk
Date: 26/02/2010 13:49
To: <pete.prp@tiscali.co.uk>
Subj: RE: [Potential Spam] Fw: Barry (Vic) Sylvester

Hi Dad,

I visited Vic on 6 ISO yesterday, as I walked through the door of his room his first words were “I know you!” I told him that we may have met many years ago but that I also look like my dad and he knew your name straight away when I told him it! I told him how you knew he was in hospital and I had printed the picture of the ship off and gave it to him. He recognised HMS Gambia immediately which was good going considering the poor quality of the picture. We chatted about you and what I had done and where I was living. He spoke about CTC, Intrepid etc. He got a little upset about Keith W when I said about you being in the Quintet with him although he already knew he had passed away. I regaled the story of him teaching me to barn dance and he said that Keith used to call him Papasan and that he was his right hand man and he cheered up then. He mentioned about you being in the TA band and I said that you weren’t anymore as you were nearly 65!! He seemed surprised by that revelation haha! He also said that the last time he saw you was at a band reunion.

I am not sure as to why he is in hospital but he mentioned having physiotherapy and that he had become a little confused since he had come into hospital. He was a little unsteady on his feet (he is 74 now) and said that he would probably be in for another week. He thanked me for going to see him and to pass on his best to you and your family. What a lovely man.

Anyway, will speak to you further on the weekend.

Love to all,

Sara xxx

Sara Foster

Pharmacy Technician Specialist - Dispensary Manager, Mental Health Services

Pharmacy Dept Edith Cavell Hospital

sara.foster@pbh-tr.nhs.uk