The Pub Night at the Village Hall on Saturday 1st June 2024 was well-attended, with a rough head-count well in excess of 50 people. The good ‘turn out’ was partly due to an earlier start from 5pm, introduced so that families with younger children might also enjoy the event before bedtime came round. The attendance was also swelled by those who particularly wanted to witness the unveiling of a bench in the garden in memory of the late Robert Irving.
Last year, very sadly Drinkstone lost a good friend and long-term resident, the person who had served as an exceptional Village Hall caretaker for almost 10 years, ever since the new Hall was opened in 2013, Robert, Irving.
Robert’s brothers, George and John with other family and friends, were there to hand the bench into the care of the Village Hall management committee.
Robert was well-known by most people in the village and some had known him for many of the 70 years he’d lived there. Since his passing, his absence has left a big hole in Drinkstone.
Robert was full of life – outgoing, friendly, reliable and he would go out of his way to help people. He was very good humoured….. though maybe less so when he’d been woken up in the early hours by the fire or burglar alarm going off at the Hall!
When people pass away, the comment often made is “they’ll be greatly missed”. As far as Robert is concerned, that comment is an understatement. But, as long as his family, friends and neighbours hold him in their memories, Robert will live on. As the plaque on the bench says, ‘Gone, but not forgotten’.
Robin Sharp, Vice-Chairman Drinkstone Village Hall
