A word from Gerry Burrows

[Mark Griffin]

To anyone that knows Gerry.

You will probably know he has not been well and has been fighting cancer very hard in his own inimitable style. Unfortunately it's not gone that well and is currently in Exeter hospice, although he will be back home occasionally it is hoped. But obviously not great in a 'I might not need those tickets for the Olympics' kind of way.

I saw him today and he's asked me to say to anyone who knows him that he's still able and extremely keen to talk to people (and have visitors at either the hospice or at home) and will very pleased to get calls from friends and colleagues, means a lot to him to have some contact with the outside world.

Gerry is in as good a mood as anyone in his condition can be expected to be, probably better in fact, but he does get very breathless so he says please don't be afraid to call but don't be surprised if he can't talk immediately or lasts only a few mins before telling you to b**ger off due to lack off puff. Telling jokes, dirty or otherwise, does tend to have a detrimental effect on his ability to breathe so please limit these. A bit.

He's in a really nice room with great staff, even greater drugs, with Carol by his side. He's even got a bag of rope (of course!) next to him for the odd project for people although he's not taking any orders as far as I know. He's really sorry he can't be at TORM, especially as this would be his, and therefore the events 20th year, but that's unavoidable unfortunately.

So please don't miss an opportunity to ring if you get one, will mean a lot to him.

Thanks,

Griff

[Martin]

If anyone knows anyone who can get down to see Gerry could they let me know via PM, I want to send a selection of fruit leathers down to him, they are very good apparently if your having trouble eating, Griff do you know the address in case no one who is going to TORM is going over to see the old b**ger , cheers

[Mark Griffin]

You can send anything to his home address, I suppose a web search will get that. Carol will get it to him. As he is in and out the hospice, or at least that's the plan, best not send anything there.

Griff

[Langley]

Rotten news indeed. Gerry was probably the first of the traders I got to know when I started and have always enjoyed a chat about the lucky horseshoes and first time he got away with selling small bags of Rocking Horse S**t. My thoughts are with him.

[Martin]

was that the same Rocking Horse sh** that looked suspiciously like The Worlds Most Difficult Jigsaw puzzle he was also selling, pure genius lol

[Bil]

I have been away from here for quite a while as real life and other commitments had conspired to keep me away. So I have only recently started browsing again.

I am saddend to hear about Jerry, and although I didnt know him personally, his stall always seemd to be a perminant fixture at the larger shows and markets I have attended over the last 12 years and he was always friendy when I bought or browsed on his stall.

Wish him the best.

Bil

[Kate Tiler]

Thanks for letting us know Mark - we have Charlie's Grandad close to Exeter and we are due to go visit him before long, so may well try & ring & pop in.

[Mark Griffin]

He'd love to see anyone he knows. Just call him before hand to make sure the timings work. 'No point coming if I'm busy being dead' were his words.....

[Dave B]

Rotten news indeed. Gerry was probably the first of the traders I got to know when I started and have always enjoyed a chat about the lucky horseshoes and first time he got away with selling small bags of Rocking Horse S**t. My thoughts are with him.

Me too. Fox and I got nabbed to work his rope walk demonstration at one of the first medieval events I did.

[abaddon1974]

Sad to hear this, I only met Gerry a few times but he seems like a nice guy and very enthusiastic about history. It was not possible to visit his stall for a quick buy, I always ended up stopping and talking.

Craig

[frances]

I'm very sorry to hear this. I knew he had problems and at least one op on this area, but I'm truly sorry that that I am unlikely to see him to convey doggies thanks again. (Gerry made my dog's medieval lead.) Please anyone give him my regards. He'll know me 'cos of the haberdashery stall.

[Cat]

Oh crapping hell, foul fecking disease.

Gerry and I once spent a mad weekend telling tall stories centered around the leg of the king of the pixies (or was it the knob of the king of the pixies; either is possible), which ended with us using cig filter (how ironic) with a cotton thread sewn on and some drops of blood from my pinkie to make 'Titania's tampon'. I will try to find his address to send a serious, joke free* card.


* like B***cks!

[Lord High Everything Esle]

Gerry has his own style and, as someone said at TORM, has taken "grumpy" to a whole new level.

BUT he is one of the gems of re-enactment. I have many lovely things made by him that I treasure.

Can't get down to Exeter but I do want those who do to pass on my thoughts in this difficult time for him.

[Mark Griffin]

A very big thanks to all who are visiting and calling, helping no end!

[plantychrisb]

Karen and I went to see Gerry and Carol on Tuesday evening. I gave to tell you.........he's in crackin form!!
He's very thankful for all your messages and calls. Keep them coming.
We laughed loads, cried some, swore considerably, hugged and kissed. He's very fragile and tires very easily, but it was very humbling to spend this time with him. I urge you to make time in your hectic schedules to go visit.
We said our goodbyes. It was, and will remain, one of my lifes enduring moments.I kept my tears till we were out of site and then wept like a baby. It was a very quiet journey home.
Nuff said.