Orion Benjamin Bond

The latest addition to the family arrived on February 23rd. Here he is with various family members including Granny Bond (89 on March 2nd), who became Great Great Granny Bond a few days after, when Maxwell Dodge became father to Baden.

New Year, Buddhist style 2012

The new year was celebrated in the now traditional manner of a visit to the Buddha statue at Batsford Arboretum. Joining us this year were Simon and his younger brother, James.

There was also a visit to Grandad Bond's last resting place in Idbury, and plenty of fun, too.

Ben's graduation

Ben finished his studies at Strathmore College in Stoke on July 19th. Above are photos from the final Presentation Evening. We are not yet sure where Ben is going next, so he'll be at home in Evesham with his mum for a few weeks.

ベン君は７月１９日カレジ(Strathmore College, Stoke on Trent)を終了しました。おめでとう！これからの行方はまだ決まっていません。しばらくお母さんと一緒にEveshamにいます。

Mayumi in Japan May 2011

５月７日から５月２５日の短い間でした。

５月７日から５月２５日の短い間でした。

Ben and girlfriend

It's official - Ben has a girlfriend. Her name is Amy, and she's a day-student at the college Ben is currently attending (Strathmore) in Stoke. He went to her 21st birthday party on Saturday October 30th in Stoke. Amy's family were impressed by Ben's gentle good manners.

It certainly helped to take his mind off the sadness of the memorial service for his grandad held the day before (see previous post).

Whatever the outcome, having a real girlfriend will be an important experience for Ben.

Arthur Benjamin Bond 11/1/1920 - 19/10/2010

It was something of a miracle that he made it to his 90th birthday in January of this year. He had so many things wrong with him towards the end that he had become something of a medical dictionary. In the end it was his breathing problem combined with the effects of a brain tumor which led to his departure from the world of form.

This is a photo taken in Evesham last summer on one of his last trips away from Bromsgrove.

Three 'sons'

A meeting with the Jackson family on the Kennet and Avon canal near Avebury (Wiltshire) gave Chris a new chance to pose with his son (Ben), grandson (Romeo) and godson (Kai). A walk in the rain built up a big appetite for an excellent pub lunch followed by a quick tootle up the cut.

Summer 2010 in the UK (Part One)

Visiting ancestors

A few Bonds dropped into Idbury (Oxon) churchyard at the end of July to pay their respects to their ancestors.

Ben completes first year at Strathmore College

Ben (and his mum) outside his room at Strathmore College.

Ben with one of his housemates at the Presentation Evening.

Ben with his key-worker, Ann-Marie, at the Presentation Evening.


At the end of the summer term Ben's new college, Strathmore in Stoke-on-Trent, held a presentation evening for its students at the Britannia football stadium.
In addition to praise for his improving personal skills, Ben also received a special award for his athletic prowess. He has worked hard at basketball, and overcame his physical disability to gain silver and gold medals in the North Staffordshire Special Olympics.
Ben has one more year at the college, and everyone is hoping for even more achievement before he graduates next July.

90th birthday party