Ken and Shirley

Shirley, Lola and Ken on Lola's 15th birthday

Ken and Shirley are our next door neighbours.

They are also our very good friends and surrogate grandparents for Calum and Lola.

Ken and Shirley are the sort of neighbours you dream about.

They are always there when you need them but never intrude.

Best of all, almost every visit usually involves alcohol as they are very sociable!

My gin consumption has definitely gone up since I met them - but I'm not complaining.

Their champagne consumption has increased since they met us (there's always something worth celebrating) and we've also shared many excellent bottles of wine.

When we were having our new kitchen fitted and were living on takeaways, Ken and Shilrey invited us round for dinner every week and fed us us delicious, home-cooked food.

Shirley's puddings are a marvel.

That sort of kindness you never forget.

Over the years they've done a myriad of little things that have made our lives richer.

We went to see them on Lola's birthday and, of course, ended up staying for the obligatory gin and tonic (Lola had elderflower cordial).

Lola wanted to say thank you to Shirley for helping her with her textile project at school (Shirley is also a fantastic seamstress).

She also wanted to thank Ken for making a beautiful wood and glass presentation box containing a pair of embroidered ballet shoes to give to Lola's ballet teacher as a retirement present (Ken is a fantastic engineer).

Needless to say, we had a lovely time with Ken and Shirley and chatted away happily for over an hour before heading home.

So thank you Ken and Shirley for being lovely people, lovely neighbours and the very best friends we could wish for.