My earliest memories of Jean and Harry were from a family visit to what seemed like (to a very young boy) a huge public house.  At that age it was a wonder to me and the lounge and bar areas (which I saw when closed) seemed cavernous and exciting.  I still remember the smell of the smoke and alcohol and when I pop into a traditional pub these days and have that beer smell waft up toward me, it still gives me a flashback and a good feeling.
 
I think the pub was in Bristol, near the docks.  I remember thinking how important my aunt and uncle must be to run something that large and it held me in awe.  I was amazed when we went into the skittle alley and thought how great it was to have such cool stuff to use every day!
 
I remember a tropical fish tank in the residence and the fun and happy atmosphere I experienced there.  Everyone was laughing and joking and it all seemed so relaxed and good humoured and that was an unfailing trait behind every visit I had with my aunt and uncle.
 
I don't remember when Jean and Harry moved to Mytchett but I think I recall a visit.  I remember more the times we went to The Surrey.  It was always going to be a fun time for Steve and I when we went so we looked forward to it.  We also looked forward to seeing our older cousins who seemed so worldly wise compared to us.
 
My fondest memories, and ones that still get me a bit emotional thinking back, were of the few weeks I actually worked and lived at The Surrey.  They were long days and it astounded me how Jean and Harry had the stamina to get through it with such good grace and cheer.  Jean did a wonderful job as a stand-in mum during that time and I can remember the laughs we had working in the kitchen doing breakfasts and lunch, then the prep for dinner and finally working in the bar late into the evening / night.
 
Harry was a great host and you could tell the visitors were happy to see him when they walked through the door.  To me, it looked like they had just got home from a tiring trip and they wanted somewhere warm and welcoming to relax and that is what they got.
 
Not to say there were not times of excitement.  Harry took me to an army bar where the Surrey was competing at darts with the soldiers.  I remember playing against some huge guy and him whispering into my ear that if I beat him I would pay for it.  He won and Harry told me later with a chuckle in his voice that I made the right decision.
 
The only time I can actually remember seeing Jean really upset was when Grandad passed.  A lot of my memories from other sad events will not come to me but I have tears streaming down my face now thinking about mum and Jean coming home and having to tell nan that her rock had passed away at hospital.  It seems he had waited for them to arrive so he could then leave himself.  He was a gentleman to the end.
 
In happier times I recall my visits to Callington where Jean and Harry moved to with Nan.  I loved my trips down there as they were always little holidays and I recall how knackered I was from the fresh air.  Jean and Harry were happy for me to go with a friend so we could have a little holiday and I always appreciated how kindly they welcomed him and made him feel at home.  We spent a lot of time chatting to Jean in the kitchen as she was preparing the food and she was always so interested in how we were getting on and the trials and tribulations of our lives.
 
I really enjoyed sitting around the kitchen table which seemed like the hub of the house and having a great laugh with chats with Jean, Harry and my parents.  When I took my mum down for a visit I have fond memories of her and Jean, bantering away with non-stop, happy chit chat.  It amazed me how they never run out of things to talk about.
 
I still remember Harry planting seeds in the back garden.  He took a bag of seeds out and placed it on the floor, grabbed a handful, walked across the garden, planted them then walked all the way back.  He did this loads of times and I remember the rest of us sitting together, wetting ourselves laughing wondering why he didn't just pick up the bag and take it with him.  I asked Jean why he was doing it that way and she shot back a little remark that had tears streaming down my face and when we mentioned it to Harry, he just blustered a bit and it made it even funnier.
 
When Jean and Harry moved to Woking I can still picture the kitchen Harry installed.  It is funny that the kitchen, whether in The Surrey, Callington or wherever they lived was the heart of the house.  Jean always ensured we had a drink and something to eat and I think it was the fact we always gravitated to her that ensured the importance of that room in their home.
 
Finally the move to Frimley was the end of their travels and the kitchen no longer had a table but it was still a welcoming and happy place.  There was still Jean's same beautiful smile and lovely soft voice to warm our hearts and make us feel glad we came.
 
I know Jean and Harry are both gone now and I will miss them dearly and although I am not a believer in something after this, I hope I am wrong and nan and grandad are sitting round a kitchen table with them, catching up, having a right good laugh and a nice cup of tea.