Jack Prosser Tribute

Jack lived at “Holmeleigh” from 1991 until his death in 2024, at the age of 96. He and wife Nancy had moved to Cattistock from Derbyshire in 1991 and loved the village very much. They were keen members of the Short Mat Bowls Club. Occasionally Jack would have a “Grandfathers” beer and Nancy’s homemade snack evening at the ‘Summer House’ in their garden, where a lucky visiting badger would get hand held treats. In later life, when his mobility was failing, Jack could be seen on his mobility “chariot” at high speed when he needed to visit the shop. He was one of the village gentlemen. The poem below (written by Jack in 1983) was found by the family after he passed away. It was first heard at Jack’s funeral. It’s a good example of his love to write a poem and his cheeky wit.

I frequently think as I sit at my ease

Just how pleasant I am and how easy to please

I’m kind and I’m gentle. Charming and gay

How fortunate the person who passes my way.

I’ve a great sense of humour. My demeanour’s genteel

I converse with great knowledge – no secrets reveal

My friends they are many, I’ve enemies few

I’m thoughtful, considerate, give friendship that’s true.

My sweet modest nature forbids me to boast

And I blush if your praises for me are the most

There’s many nice things that are said about me

But why don’t my son, wife and daughter agree?

They say that I’m boring and lazy and that –

My thickening waistline’s not muscle – but fat –

My pipe when I’m smoking gives fumes like a train

And what’s humorous to me brings expressions of pain.

My own choice of music is in their words “antique”

And my genteel expressions are considered unique.

So I Might be quite wrong in my thoughts about me

Tho’ with my families opinions I’ll never agree

So I’ll just split the difference and say I’m not bad

Not perfect, not nasty, but above average – Dad.

Another example of Jacks poetry can be found in the Village Stores,  as seen in this image.