George H. Crossland

FIRST message from Phil Gavin - 'Haggis' (South Africa):
(before we were informed that Frank Rayner ('Dad) was too ill to see us.

Dear Melvin and Ian
Please pass on to Dad my regards. Please let him know that he and George Crossland have been two of the most influential people in my life from being an apprentice to running a power station, They taught me to be human even when you become the "big cheese". I owe them an unplayable debt and my thoughts often return to Isherwood's and them in particular. Never did the PLUNKET
teach anyone more than it did me. Every time I have a beer Frank, my thoughts will be with you.
Regards
The Haggis
[Phil Gavin]
-----Original Message-----
From: Melvin Ashton [mailto:melvin-ashton@btconnect.com]
Sent: 18 June 2009 08:18 PM
To: Mel Ashton (UK2)
Subject: Fw: Mel's Mail Form Submission

 
Hi all,
Sorry to inform you all that our colleague Frank Rayner, 'Dad', is now VERY ill with cancer. Below is a copy of my webform received from his grandaughter Liz.
Liz also called me on the telephone and asked, at the request of Frank, that I inform you all - I could hear Frank's comments in the background so, as Liz states, he is still very much aware of what's going on.  I will inform those who do not have email facilities by telephone.
Ian Lindley & I hope to visit Frank on Saturday morning, (20th June), about 11:30am.

Regards,
Mel Ashton,
Home Tel: (01924) 834 464    Mobile Tel: 07740 282 567
Email:
mel@melashton.co.uk
Web:
www.melashton.co.uk 
----- Original Message -----
From: "liz jackson" <elizabeth.jackson@ntlworld.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 5:52 PM
Subject: Mel's Mail Form Submission

 
Below is the result of your feedback form.  It was submitted by
Liz jackson (
elizabeth.jackson@ntlworld.com) on Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 17:52:48
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address & telephone number withheld - contact Mel.
Comments_or_Requests_for_Information:
Hi mel its liz jackson, frank rayners grandaughter,  i'm just letting you know that my graddad is very very poorly now, & has not got much longer to live, he has been living with me for the last 5 weeks,& we have been told now that its not going to be too long, although grandad is TOTALLY 'compaass mentos'. He has asked me to email you as he would love to see you before he dies, but understands if you can't make it. He also would like you to let all his friends know, then if they would like to visit that's grand too. I have enclosed my phone number & address & do not mind at all who you feel should have it. You have been here before for the 50th golden wedding, i don't know if you can remember where we are but if you would like to come my husband will give you directions, as i am useless with directions!!!!!
take care love liz x
 

SECOND message from Phil Gavin - 'Haggis' (South Africa):
(AFTER we were informed that Frank Rayner ('Dad) was too ill to see us.

Dear Melvin
Sorry to hear Dad ius going down hill so fast but the fact that George Croslands is making such an effort only highlights what I wrote in my previous email,these two are so unique the world will be a sadder place without them.If you cant tell Dad this then at least let George know how I benefited from having met them.
Regards
The Haggis

-----Original Message-----
From: Melvin Ashton [mailto:melvin-ashton@btconnect.com]
Sent: 19 June 2009 06:54 PM
To: Mel Ashton (UK2)
Subject: Frank Rayner ('Dad')

 

Hi again all,
Ian Lindley, myself and George Crossland hoped to visit Frank Rayner, ('Dad') - at his request - tomorrow, (Saturday 20th June), however .....
 
I've just received a 'phone call from his son David - it seems that Frank is now so ill and heavily sedated that he cannot receive visitors.
 
He will inform me of any improvement but I expect the next  email / 'phone call will be to inform me of Frank's death.
 
Obviously I will inform you all if I hear anything further.
 
George Crossland is on his way over from Wales and does not have a mobile telephone so I can't inform him until he arrives at our house.  He intended staying over tonight so it will be good to have a chat with him again.  June & I, with George, hope to visit the 'Rose & Crown' - Lofthouse which has just re-opened.  The pub is currently being re-furbished but has reasonable wheelchair access for June.
So ....
If you can spare a few minutes, pop in and see us.  My mobile 'phone number is given below so if you wish, you can confirm that we are there / on our way or elsewhere.

Note from Mel: George stayed TWO nights;
We spent Friday night at the Rose & Crown pub (Lofthouse).  The are currently refurbishing the pub and were trying out a SPECTACULAR laser light system (to suitable background sound).  George, June & I had an excellent evening.
We spent Saturday night at Lofthouse Gate Working Men's Club.  The entertainer was excellent and introduced several up-and-coming guest singers (male & female).

On Sunday 21st June, George set off for Wales but intended calling to see Bert West's widow at Crosland Moor Huddersfield on his way home.  'Bert, (Herbert Albert), worked initially at Isherwood's George Street service department before becoming service manager at the Huddersfield branch of Isherwood's.

Condolences are expressed to his wife and family following his recent death.


Regards,
Mel Ashton
Home Tel: (01924) 834 464    Mobile Tel: 07740 282 567
Email: mel@melashton.co.uk
Web:    www.melashton.co.uk    www.alwynisherwood.co.uk
 
P.S. George doesn't have a computer - though his son Geoffrey gave him one some years ago, George claims that they are 'the work of the Devil' and didn't try very hard, despite my efforts and Geoffrey's.
I don't know what happened to his mobile phone but he doesn't use that either - I just tried it and got the usual  "it has not been possible to connect your call - please try again later".
 
With no computer, George obviously does not receive his emails from his email address: wirelessman@freeuk.com 
I left it in my address book and Isherwood's group so there are probably hundreds of emails awaiting him !!!
 
A shame this, considering that George - as Service Manager AND our college lecturer - encouraged us all so much !!

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