our story

The story of how we met

Part 1

Esther and I met through several twists of fate which involved church, choir, BBQs, and unknown to us, mutual friends.

Our first official “date” took place at a restaurant in Billericay, although originally it was meant to be in Barleylands. Through a change of plans at the last moment, it turned out to be a stroke of luck as, we were the only guests, so not only were the team there very attentive, it allowed for a great opening line from me, that I had booked the entire restaurant for Esther.

Part 2

At the old windmill restaurant, a Stibbards family favourite, we watched the first of many sunset and moon rises together.From there our times together became more frequent including lunch to introduce Esther to my Dad and other times meeting my American Cousins.

Part 3

During this time and as I travelled small parts of the world with various family members, we kept in touch daily, for a good hour each day just talking about each others day, (thankfully at that time I wasn't responsible for the phone bill).Esther also joined me at the official opening of the 8th Stibbards office at Rayleigh.

Part 4

We also embarked on sunday trips to various picturesque Essex villages, ensuring we attended church in each of them, first thing in the morning. Why limit ourselves to Essex; I hear you say, well that is unfortunately down to the range limits of my Mustang Mach E. Our trip to Rye pushed the limits of both of our range anxieties.It also became obvious that a radio in a car was a waste of energy as we would chat endlessly there and back.

Part 5

In August, I had the honour of meeting Esther's Mother Indra, as Indra was visiting from india, and the joys of helping Esther and her mother prepare Esther's new home, including gardening and the dreaded, flat packed furniture, though I had to call on my now best man, Darren to help with the wallpapering, Esther however is still waiting for the skirting board at the time of writing this, (hopefully before the wedding).

Part 6

As our relationship grew, so did our social circle and activities, this included me venturing back into gym membership and taking on the new challenges of yoga and Pilates.
And, Esther supporting me with the British Institute of Funeral Directors in Swindon for my last official role as immediate past president.We also hosted my older brother, his wife and two of Esther's close friends for a traditional British Christmas dinner.

Part 7

January brought the opportunity to visit Esther's parents in India and during this fantastically hosted visit, it seemed appropriate to ask Chandra for Esther's hand in marriage.

Thankfully he agreed otherwise it would have perhaps been a pretty awkward, rest of the trip.At what is referred to as the point of India, it seemed after some cultural adjustments on my part, the most appropriate place to request Esther's hand in marriage, which to my joy she accepted.

Part 8

The rest of the visit was exciting, fulfilling and full of moments I hope none of us will ever forget.

Including several days in a houseboat on one of the world's longest lakes. During our time here, we introduced Indra and Chandra to Rummikub, which filled the evenings.The travelling around Southern India finished with several days in a wonderful plantation at Aurika, where we were all able to relax and enjoy a few days of purer relaxation, well at least for a day, the walk to a local lake proved that India is best seen either early morning or early afternoon, midday is perhaps not the best time for a stroll.The last few days in Chennai were also unfortunately one when I finally experienced what is known as Delhi belly in England. Although thoroughly unpleasant and embarrassing I was lucky enough to have a attentive nurse in Esther and support from Esther's parents, who drove out during the evening to secure medicine to help.Perhaps not the best of day to be visiting future in laws!

Part 9

After India, we faced many challenges, which are set to change what was our perceived future, but during our short time it became and continues to be clear that together we are stronger than as individuals