Kate and I took the bus from Leeds to Shipley,

passing the site which was to become the World of Sooty.

We were visiting Aunt Muriel.

She, old, distinguished, bright, sharp.

Her two resident friends, and improbable carers, not there.

Unlikely Bantams they had gone to watch Bradford v. Lincoln.

Later while drinking tea and eating scones the news filtered through.

Aunt Muriel visibly aged, distraught about the fate of her friends.

We offered to go to the ground.

We walked down Bradford Road, Keighley Road, Manningham Lane.

Smoke visible, but we could not get near the ground.

Police and emergency vehicles barred our way.

We were no use.

Aunt Muriel's friends were injured, but fine.

We returned home shocked and saddened.

I have been to Valley Parade since,

to watch my team, Wimbledon, from whence I came.

I look across to the new stand, remembering.

Some years later Aunt Muriel had moved to Filey

There we met, again, for her 100th birthday.