Allister Bowtell

Update: 17 March 2006

Caroline Gooch reports:

I went to see Allister today to find him in good spirits and enjoying being the centre of attention with 7 visitors! He had apparantly been out of bed in the morning, chasing after the nurses no doubt, but his legs were rather shaky so he was helped back by Judith who was luckily just arriving, and was able to call for help. He told me he was a bit shaken by the experience, as he hadn't expected his legs to be so weak. His room is lovely, and adorned with postcards of the royal family in the nude, so nothing wrong with his sense of humour! We were talking about Henley and Allister was suggesting recreating a day in the Champagne Bar in his room. Allister's wife takes in picnics and wine so if anyone has any video of Henley maybe, or tapes of the music from the Stewards band, it might be possible. We joked that he'd be selling Pimms at £7 a pint to the other residents, he didn't think it was such a bad idea!

As Judith says, early visits are good, although Allister likes having a lot of people around, it's not nice when they all leave in one go, and there are fewer people there early in the day, when Allister is at his brightest...and clearly making bids for escape!

Update: 10 March 2006

Paul Baldwin reports:

I popped in to see Allister this [Friday] morning, and he was on relatively good form. Pat [his wife] was there along with Allister's cousin Rosy (who has been to the Club a number of times). I passed on all the good wishes I'd been asked to convey. Pat and Rosy have been filling his room with spring flowers which brighten up the place, and I think Allister is able to smell the freesias etc.

His speech was a lot better today and we chatted about Club matters and the forthcoming Heads. He's sorry that he won't be able to start the Vets Head for us but says he'll be thinking of us on the day. Allister tells me that one of the benefits he is enjoying is the 'attention of all the nurses' - so his spirit's fine!! The morphine he's on is unfortunately making him lose his appetite but all in all, he remains comfortable, and sends his regards to all.

Judith reports:

Allister is in St Michael's Ward, Trinity Hospice, 30 Clapham Common North Side, London, SW4 ORN and cards etc are welcome. The club photo that was taken after the Remenham Head is sitting up above his bed.

Allister sends best wishes to everyone at Vesta, I went to see him last night and he was awake, sitting up and enjoying a bowl of Cullen Skink.

He's up and down, spends a lot of time asleep and gets tired very easily but does enjoy seeing people. If you want to visit, please ring first (either Paul Baldwin or me) just so there isn't a rush of people all at once. He's generally brighter in the morning than later on.

Update: 7 March 2006

I dropped in on my way into work this morning to find Allister sitting up and on good form. He is having lots of visitors, especially people from the Arts Club and is also keen to keep up with the Tideway gossip.

Allister is on the ground floor, facing the garden and his room gets the sunshine which he very much enjoys. He went out for a trip round the garden on Thursday lunchtime, albeit in a wheelchair.

Obviously he's far more alert in the morning than after lunch and by evening he's flat out asleep, so much better to drop in briefly on the way to work than on the way home.