Tribute to Girish: In 1981 two boys left West Bromwich College of Commerce and Technology for Aston University, having completed their A levels together. These boys had arrived in the midlands, having spent their youth in opposite parts of the world. One from Africa (Kabwe, Zambia), one from the Caribbean (Jamaica). They studied the same A levels together and went on to read the same degree, that was me and my great friend Girish. My parents knew Girish quite well, with my mom never calling him Girish but “Gillish”. I also remember visiting the family home at Claypit lane and being fed by Girish’s parents. I have known Girish for most of my life and I’m proud to call him my dear friend. I still find it difficult to speak about him in the past tense. I still cannot believe that you have gone my dear friend. A testament of a great friendship, is that even though you have not spoken for a while, you can still reunite no matter how long the gap, like you saw one another yesterday. We would ring each other out of the blue and catch up with what has been happening in our lives. It was sometime before Christmas, that out of the blue, I got a call from Girish and we were talking about our friendship and our family and children. That was the last time we spoke. I now feel blessed to have spoken to my friend on that day, not knowing that it would be the last time. “Good friends are like stars, you don’t always see them, but you know that they are always there”. Phillip Riggon And from Janet Girish you were a sweet, kind gentle human being; and you were the first person to introduce me to Indian culture. I have very fond memories of eating wonderful meals at your parents home, you were always so welcoming. You are dearly missed.RIP Girish To Girishbhai, we found this poem and thought of you… ‘’ The angels looked down from heaven one night. They searched for miles afar, And deep within the distance They could see a shining star. They knew that very instant That the star was theirs to gain, So they took you up to heaven, Forever to remain. Look down on us from heaven. Keep us free from hurt and pain. You'll always be within our hearts Until we meet again. ‘’ Our condolences to: Mr and Mrs Patel, Meena, Meera, Daksha, Asha, Usha and Pitu.