I AM positive in the belief that anyone who has read the book Old Redditch Voices, published by Anne Bradford, of Hunt End, and laughed at most of the entries submitted by my brother, Terence Halford, cannot fail to be moved by the knowledge that "Our Tel" - "Darkie" to his ex-building buddies - sadly passed away after a prolonged illness in the early hours of Wednesday, September 28, at the Rashwood Nursing Home, where his final hours were spent in the presence of his family.

Terence was a man loved and respected by very many people.

Born and bred in Redditch (see the book), apart from a spell in the Royal Air Force where he served in the Middle East during the war years - and he and his wife Anna moved to Australia for a period of time in 1977 - Terence was of the opinion his roots would always remain in Redditch and the building trade, where he was regarded as a very good and conscientious bricklayer.

Except for an even shorter time he worked in a local factory during a period of recession in the construction industry, he was at all times a good provider with a very strong character. Firm - but fair.

His philosophy of life was to "steer clear of trouble" wherever possible and to "make people laugh" as "it's better to make friends rather than enemies."

He was never without a gag or a story to tell and will be very sadly missed by all his family and friends.

I can only hope I'll be forgiven if I, along with others, shed a tear or two in the memory of TGH.

May he rest in peace.

Tony Sealey

Kidderminster