On September 7th 2005 Stu found me on Friends reunited and sent a message, a snippet of which (to jog Stu’s memory) is shown below. No-one reading this, except possibly Stu could understand how pleased I was to receive it given the stupid, immature way in which our business partnership ceased as we entered our twenties.

…It’s probably taken me more than a couple of minutes to figure out how to start this little note…. but I guess the easy thing is to start with the simple ‘how the hell are you?’.

Fit and well, I hope. Looking at your ‘profile’ it seems to be the case – a wife and sprogg, eh? You never really struck me as the ‘settling down’ type but then I never struck me as the ‘settling down’ type either and I’ve ended up a similar hole… er, I mean position (1 wife, 4 kids – but no dog!!).

I had to smile at your profile – good to see ‘computer programming’ is still in there (as a bit of fun or a career?)…. some of the favourite words summed you up pretty well from what I remember – but only in that I had to look half of them up (you always were a smartarse!!).

There’s more and while it’s not personal especially I’ve no wish to post it without Stu’s OK; what’s above is enough to get the gist.

Well Stu, I hope you’re reading this. I wasn’t ignoring you. The truth is I joined FRU then didn’t bother for a long time. I did not see your message for over 6 months. Not until March 2006. I immediately responded at that time with what follows.This is mostly complete, only some drivel removed.

Stu!!!

First things first. I forgot I’d even joined this thing. My full membership had lapsed and the e-mail address I registered with I only just accessed for the first time since last July!

So, no, I wasn’t avoiding or ignoring you, I wouldn’t. I don’t think you have contacted me before, believe me, I would have remembered! I have to say my heart skipped a beat or two (not surprising for a man in my condition) when I saw a message from you but the tone and content were a great relief. It’s amazing what a few years and a few trips round the block will do for your outlook on life. I have always regretted the way thinks went; it’s possibly the only regret of my life that I could have made come out differently. Like you I can’t even remember what the hell went on. It all seems like it happened to someone else now.
…
We did have a lot of laughs and the friendship is sorely missed. I really believe that no friendship can ever be so strong as those forged during school days. We lived in each other’s pockets for what seemed like years since Halton ITeC.. remember that?… I still tell my wife and anyone else who will listen about the trips across the road to the chippy where we’d ask for “A bag of chips and a can of coke” and the Chinese woman would say “you want flidge?” and we’d reply “No, just the can of coke!”. I’m grinning right now recalling that one…

…How is your Mum? and John? and Lol? I always had a great respect for your Mum and John, she was educated and smart and I always remember John being very tolerant, helpful and supportive. I sincerely hope they are all well and happy.
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I get out of the office occasionally, how about I drop you a message next time I’m going to be up your way and perhaps we can grab some lunch somewhere (chip shop in widnes?? just kidding!) Enjoy that mid-life crisis!, hope to hear from you again soon.

All the best mate, great to hear you’re well.
Les

Since sending this reply I have more avidly monitored FRU in the hope of a reply but judging by his profile, Stuart didn’t use it either for a long time!

So, dear reader (I know from the stats that a plurality of readers is rare on this blog…) heart warming recollection, regret and nostalgia over with, I’m off to try and make a new friend of one of my oldest.

Wish me luck!