Alice used her camera to record and explore her interests. From people places, animals, nature etc. She also recorded her craft and artwork. Some of Alice’s photography are presented in galleries you can access via the Arts and Crafts menu on the top bar or choosing a category below:
Looking through Alice’s pictures was emotional. Here you can see how she wished to capture the fleeting beauty of the butterflies. I think she did it well and I have made a large print of it. I wish I could of told her how proud of her I was more often and perhaps printed her images for her more.
(Click on the image to see it full screen)
I have been taking Alice to my home town of St.Helens since she was a little girl. I dont drive so the train is the best way to go though it does take about 7 hours to cross the country.
When she was very young she enjoyed looking out of the train windows at the cows and horses between doing her colouring. Later she had headphones firmly grasped to her ears whilst she played a game or read from her iPad.
We did use to stay at my mothers house, Alice on the single bed and myself on a matress on the floor. When mum started getting a little old we stayed at my sister Jacqueline’s house instead.
Jacky is a very good host, with 2 spare bedrooms things were a bit more comfortable but she went further and bought us two dressing gowns for use when we are here.
Three weeks on from Alice’s funeral I find myself back in St.Helens. Alice’s dressing gown is still behind the door of the bedroom she used. I miss Alice so much.
When the new Tesco was built in Sheringham Alice was very excited and imagined herself working in there one day. At school she managed to get some work experience there. The people at Tesco liked Alice so much they invited her to work there after she finished school.
Tesco managers have been incredibly kind and understanding of her medical needs and they were happy to keep Alice’s job open for her whilst she was on treatment. Her job was still available over a year after having treatment. It taught me that a company is no more then the sum of its people. The people at Tesco Sheringham are outstanding.
Alice was a people person. She did not hang about with her mother and father when there were far more interesting children and adults to talk to. She would simply go up and say hello.
We did think this was due to her being comfortable around doctors and nurses but these images from 2001 was taken before she got ill and shows her being completely relaxed with other people.
We were of course protective of her but on the beach she just wondered off to play with other children. On this occasion we were at the seating area just back from the beach and I thought I would make a record of how she did it. We have no idea who these people are but they did not mind.
Looking through the years of images brings memories of how different Alice was from other kids. She loved food preparation and she was so keen to cut carrots and other vegetables that we allowed her to use sharp knives. I have no memory of her ever cutting herself, she handled the task carefully and with enjoyment. These pictures are from 2001 when Alice was 3 years old.