To absent friends...

HISTORIAN MERVYN EDWARDS PAYS TRIBUTE TO THOSE WHO HAVE PASSED AWAY DURING 2025

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T is normally my habit at this time of year to think of those we have lost, and this year, the process has been more poignant than ever.

In times of loss, perhaps we seek solace in the company of others especially when empathy or a herd instinct are allowed to come into play. Let me explain.

I was booked by the Leek and District Historical Society to present a history talk on June 9th of this year. I delivered this only two days after the loss of my father, aged 89. I was collected by Pauline Smith from the society and she drove me to Leek in the company of Anne Anderton. Pauline is the sister of eminent Leek historian Cath Walton, whose own funeral had only recently taken place on May 22nd. Anne's husband Paul arguably North Staffordshire's most consummate historian - had died on April 5th, three days after his 90th birthday.

To say that the three of us felt a tad raw at this time would not really be cutting it, but it was both strange and comforting that the guiding hand of the universe had pulled the three of us together at this sad time. I concluded my talk that evening with a PowerPoint slide that read,

"To Absent Friends: Paul Anderton, Cath Walton and Kenneth Edwards."

My voice broke as I read out my father's name, but if I was still grieving, I also felt for Anne and Pauline.

In remembering those who have passed this year, I shall offer the names of various folk who have contributed to North Staffordshire life - some famous, some not, but in death we all deserve to be remembered.