Memories of John

Whilst John enjoyed his real ale along with other FridayNighter’s his favourite tipple was a nice red wine. Prone to sneeking the extra glass reminds us of the time in 2005 when he performed his version of “Riverdance” on the steps of Nottingham arena and walking back into Nottingham after the extra glass or two in the arena foyer. Well inebriated we managed to get him back to Derby a little worse for drink.

In the early 1990’s our first camping expedition comes to mind in Fenny Bentley. We are not sure camping was John’s thing – certainly not Lynne’s – she didn’t do camping. John arrived in the early evening from work with Richard and certainly came with a different spirit of camping. He was spotted getting his “suit carrier” out of the boot of his car and tramping over the tent provided – very funny as was Ged in his dressing gown the following morning with a cup of tea.

A good friend and neighbour we, well Pauline, will especially miss having to guide John down Parkway after a few drinks at the pub or a FN’s party night along the so called NYNEX line. The result on one occasion was John falling in to his flower bed and having no recollection next morning when out to collect the Sunday newspaper.

RIP John our memories will live on – D&P

AN ODE TO A SLIGHT INCLINE

John said I have found a walk
You will like it as it is quite short
Hurrah we said that sounds a delight
And started off walking with all our might

We walked along chatting away
Until John said I have something to say
Not far ahead we will find
A slight incline which might be a bind

Unpreturbed we walked along
We even started to sing a song
Slight inclines may be blighters
But you can’t frighten the FridayNighters

At last we came to the slight incline
And happily started to climb
It did seem to go on a while
But through gritted teeth we continued to smile

At the top we could not breathe
In fact some people wanted to heave
Never mind guys said John we did the deed
And tonight we can say we did succeed

In the bar later that night
We boasted until nearly daylight
About how we conquered the slight incline
Without much effort and back in time to dine!

Sue

   We will miss you greatly

We remember John wrestling with an inflatable mattress (or was it a blow up doll?) at Fenny Bentley.

We also remember his skills at the snooker table at Butlins where there was some concern that he might rip the cloth! We will always remember the funny times and indeed all the happy times with John and all the crew.

John we will continue to raise a glass (of red wine of course) to you a true gentle man and good friend.

With much love from Ged and Jean.

JOHN
A Gentleman
Our leader
Mr FridayNighter
He was kind, funny, humble and generous
The loveliest man you could ever meet
A dear, dear friend
He will be so missed by so many

Sue

John you were ...........
Always enjoyable company
Always drinking our beer
Always walking the Nynex line
And always full of good cheer
We will miss a wonderful friend and FridayNighter.
One of the most gentle men we have ever met.
You will never be forgotten

Kath and Dave

John – you were a friend, a very good friend. So many memories; Butlins, camping, the walking weekends, the Christmas dinner / dances, outdoor concerts, theatre trips, many parties and especially our family holiday in California. But most of all, I’ll remember the evenings in the Rose and Crown then the Lawns.

You were always the life and soul of the evenings; funny and witty but serious when required. We enjoyed talking about most things, work, travel, books, politics (and despite our (considerable) political differences, we were always able to talk without any hint of animosity or rancour) and more recently football. In fact, you were happy to chat about anything.

It was a real pleasure to know you and I am proud to have had you as a friend.

Kev

This is a very sad time for the FridayNighters. After fighting cancer for some time, John Mooney died on 25 October 2017.

We are all special to each other, but I think it is fair to say that John was extra special to all of us.

John
A gentleman to the last, never got over excited about life's ups and downs, but was always a rock you could depend on. He loved his family, enjoyed his work and very much enjoyed the company of others. His love of wine was well known, as was his love of anybodies glass that was fuller than his own !! However much he tried he never quite managed to fulfill his dancing potential (River Dance @ Nottingham) or co-ordinate his abilities at sport, e.g snooker at Butlins, table tennis at Pontins, golf and badminton etc. etc. and although he eventually found a niche in the gym his technique with 35mm film remains unique to say the least.

I've personally spent many wonderous times with John singing with the Derby Big Sing and the Chellaston Community Choir ( original members). Especially it is his part in the "FridayNighters" that will last in our memories for ever, the Rose & Crown (where the guys first met), The Lawns, the camping weekends, the Butlins trips, the walks and weekends in the Peak District - slight inclines included, were all special times and very treasured memories.

Our little group has been so fortunate in having such a unique friendship with a wonderful attitude and love of life, we will miss John very much but whenever we are together he will always be part of us.

God bless until we meet again,

Doreen & Kelvin xx