Trio are inseparable

Joey Deeprose, James Bloomfield and Derek Ansell went to the same infant, junior and senior schools and still live within a stone’s throw of each other in Hollington.

The trio even played in the same football team as youngsters.

They celebrate their 65th birthdays within weeks of each other and are planning on holding a celebration at a local venue.

“We always got on very well, “ said Joey and stayed firm friends.”

The three have attended each others weddings and gone on holiday together, always marking significant ten year anniversaries with a get together and celebration.

“It works out cheaper with three involved,” said Joey.

Their love of Hollington and its community feel has never diminished for the three.

Joey says he has only had two jobs in his life before retirement - both in Hollington.

Derek still works as a driving instructor.

All agree though that they have seen many changes in the Hollington they knew as children.

“You could walk across fields from Hollington in those days,” said James.

“We could go out and play for hours and if we were late back our parents never worried as parents would do now.

“We got up to all sorts of things, as boys do, but we never harmed anyone.”

Joey commented: “It was rare to see a car back in those days. We all walked to school. Now there are cars trying to park everywhere outside the school.

“There are a lot more houses. Hollington has doubled in size.”

The trio enjoyed the local pubs, favouring the Wishing Tree and Royal Albert and mourn the loss of the Wishing Tree pub.

They remain firm friends. “We don’t fall out, “ says Joey, “We never have done.”

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