Is there room in one lifetime for all the sounds of music and song?
For literature, for poetry, and for a universe of immortal art?
Can all these riches be discovered in the course of one life?
And if you wish it to happen, do you really know where to start?
But such an objective is endless, and there can be no result.
So embark instead on the journey itself, and welcome this as your prize;
Let each and every discovery set light to your soul;
Let the sounds melt your heart and the visions delight your eyes.
To make this journey successfully one needs a partner and friend,
A mindful and kind explorer, a tireless student of life.
It is our good fortune that we have shared Gren for this role,
And he too is blessed, with Arline as his wife.
So Gren, please accept our thanks for this joyful experience.
Take pleasure and pride from the contribution you have made.
Let your memories be furnished with our appreciative thanks
And, enriched by your achievements, they will never fade.
Gren Gaskell chaired a U3A group in Malvern for many years. It's theme was Poetry & Music. Gren was born and reared in the Nottinghamshire coalfields, and he started his working life 'down the pit'. His discovery of the Arts changed his life and led him to publish some of his own work as well as encouraging others. Sadly, in 2019, his declining eyesight obliged him to terminate his group.