Via Leone Dehon – 2004 8A Castle View Road – April 2005 Cattistock - Christmas 2007

January 2008

On July 8, 2004, Cicely, Robert and Martin left their wonderful house in Rome, where they had lived for 37 years. Relocating to England was a difficult decision to take, but Cicely felt that she would be closer to Martin, who was by then living and working in London, and her sister Marian. Also, the feeling of returning to her parental homeland was a strong factor in the decision, after having lived nearly 70 years abroad.

Robert has been living in New York since 2001, but thanks to his flexible work on the computer, is able to spend 4 months a year with Cicely, much to her delight! The new flat in Weybridge was beautifully renovated under Martin’s tasteful direction, and is now a cosy and luminous abode for Cicely. Once the familiar family furniture had been arranged in the little 2-bedroom flat, it immediately took on the welcoming feeling of “home”. The rising sun shines through the bedroom window, and the sunset can be admired from the living room window, and visitors can be spotted from the kitchen window as they approach on the little private road.

Cicely made many plans to take up some of her old interests in her new surroundings, like voluntary community service, spiritualist church activities, and yoga to keep fit. A haemorrhagic stroke in June 2005, from which she made a fantastic recovery, has taken some of the wind out of her sails, so her plans are now more centered on day-to-day routine. But routines are made to be broken, and 2007 has seen many pleasant diversions.

In March, she enjoyed a visit to her niece, Priscilla, in Kew, and visited the lovely Kew Gardens with Terry (Priscilla’s husband) and Robert. There, she made friends with a sparrow who nearly hopped into her lap!

Terry, Cicely and Robert – Kew Gardens, March 2007 The Friendly Robin!

A highlight in September was a visit from her life-long friend Isabella, and long-time yoga teacher Liliana, for whom she prepared a dazzling tea, with her now famous home made buns as a centrepiece. Robert was there to help coordinate transportation, and also enjoyed the occasion.

Cicely greatly enjoyed the Christmas family gathering this year, which was hosted by her niece Merrily in her newly acquired and renovated house in Cattistock, Dorset. The family gathering consisted of Merrily and her two brothers Patrick and John; Martin and his newly-wed Siraporn (AKA Tom) and her sister Tui, who drove over during a brief closure of their new restaurant in South-East London; and Robert and Cathy, who had flown over from New York for the occasion. And, of course, Cicely who, as a most conscientious aunt, has been diligently re-reading two of Patrick’s intriguing novels in time for the Christmas gathering.

The news-of-the-year has of course been the announcement of an imminent newcomer to the Nissim family: Martin and Tom’s little boy, who will be born in April 2008. Robert is looking forward to being an attentive uncle, and Cicely will finally see one of her sons taste the joys of fatherhood, something she has always hoped for. We are all very excited about the new arrival, especially Martin, who has carefully been researching the extraordinary wonders of new life.

Liliana, Cicely, Martin & Isabella – Weybridge, Sept. 2007 Merrily, Martin, Tui, Tom, Cathy, Cicely, Patrick – Christmas Day 2007

Many challenges lie ahead for the Nissims in the years ahead: Cicely with her new challenge of living alone; Martin and Tom with their new business and family; and Robert with his new music software development business. By the way, Cathy said she will retire early to travelling and sun, if business goes well, which also suits Robert fine, since it will allow them to spend more time with family and friends. We are all looking to 2008 with wide-open ears, eyes and minds.

Here’s wishing all our dear friends and family the very best in the New Year! And please keep in touch!!

8A, Castle View Road,

Weybridge,

Surrey, KT13 9AB