Sharville Christmas NewsPoem 2025
We near the end of twenty twenty-five,
And Ruth is simply glad to be alive!
Cancer was set to dominate our year,
But Ruth and friends had a better idea.
Attentive readers will recall last year,
We'd booked a cruise to Italy. I fear
We had to cancel that, the Doctor said,
So we've booked one for twenty-seven instead.
Instead of feeling negative and sad,
Ruth relished special moments that she had.
The first "gift" was at Slimbridge, where she saw
A kingfisher, waiting and watching o'er,
Just on a branch, with people standing near,
Like Ruth, amazed it was so close and clear.
She got her photos, and felt so elated,
As for this moment many years she'd waited.
About this time (in January) she
Knew that she had a lump. A biopsy
Found that it was a cancer in her breast.
They took it out, and then she felt the best
She's felt in many years, then underwent
The course of treatment, all aimed to prevent
The cancer from recurring. And throughout,
The "gifts" meant so much more, be in no doubt.
Each morning she'd awake to blackbird song
As "Ollie" sang his heart out all day long.
Inspired to get back into music-writing
She had a new piece played – really exciting!
Before her chemo, Ruth and Adrian went
To Canterbury - Gloucestershire v. Kent;
A memorable trip with friends so dear,
Good cricket, and some seriously good beer!
And then Old Trafford, where a steward asked
If Ruth would ring the starting bell. She masked
Emotions at this special honour barely -
A gift like this, right now, would come up rarely.
And Adrian joined in, and friends did too,
Making a special memory. People who
Also gave Ruth a gift were Steeleye Span!
Playing the all-time favourite of this fan -
Thomas the Rhymer – ending a great gig.
Changing the subject, Ruth thought that a wig
Might suit – but it did not! (She's lost her hair).
Instead bandanas are her choice to wear.
So cricket days have been the constant theme.
The love and comfort Ruth's had from the team
And fans has been amazing – kept her going.
How hard without them there's no way of knowing.
Special among these people – GvB,
(Graeme van Buuren) – knew the score, and he
Pledged his support in every way, and said,
That if her hair fell out, Ruth shave his head!
He wanted to show solidarity
With Ruth, so with some dreadful clippers, she
Attacked his thick black hair – causing much laughter.
Thank goodness it was tidied the day after!
We raised a goodly sum, 'twas so worthwhile,
And GvB – who has the loveliest smile -
Enjoyed it; he would do it all again.
(Be careful what you wish for, my good friend!)
The garden has proved weeding's over-rated
And been a sanctuary - but Ruth has hated
Her being barred from sitting in the sun,
(And shady parts were windy and no fun).
The Penarth Festival was an oasis
Of music, sea-side and some friendly faces.
The "Quartet for the End of Time" outstanding
In repertoire unusual and demanding.
Ruth found the energy to do some singing
With all the friends she loves to join with, bringing
Her tenor voice; it held out - nothing cracked -
She managed through it vocally intact!
September, and we headed off towards
The cricket season's end for us, at Lord's.
But not before a trip to Leicester, where
We loved the cricket, and delicious fare
At Paddy's Marten Inn – well recommended -
Despite it's unconvincing name. We ended
Up eating the best food on this night out
With dear friends – what away trips are about!
We witnessed a good win at Bristol, when
Northamptonshire were visiting. Again
We heard "The Glorious Glo'sters" sung with heart
And soul, knowing that soon this band would part.
Some player friends are moving on. It's sad
To see them go, but for the time we've had
With them we're grateful, and they'll ever be
Part of the Glorious Glo'ster family.
So Lord's, and season's end, and fond farewells:
It felt especially sad, as it foretells
That winter's coming. But Ruth is so blessed
With Adrian's love and care. He's just the best.
But she is planning that the diary brings
Much music, days out, and creating things
And when it's fine, the camera will be
Once more in action, finding things to see
And share with you, our friends. We love you dearly,
And hope that you've enjoyed this missive. Clearly
We now must say these words for all to hear:
"A happy Christmas; peace, and love; good cheer!"