My first memory of John is of a huge character! I was a little girl when I heard that my mum's nephew was coming to visit. Stopping off in Manchester on his way from Shetland to Kent, if I remember correctly. I was intrigued, I hadn't met John very frequently and was just a little in awe of someone who worked for the Met Office and lived in what seemed, from my city dwelling, to be a wild, remote, challenging place. My memories are hazy. I remember being utterly overawed by the arrival of the black leather clad giant, with incredible red, thick, vibrant and long hair. But most of all, he arrived on that most exotic of transport, a powerful, roaring motorbike. I was shy. I suspect I hid behind my mother, but I remember her joy at seeing John. And although he seemed a rather exotic and intimidating character, he was patient with me and, not long after his visit, very kindly sent me some original weather charts to share at school. It was so thoughtful and generous of him.