Brian

Neighbours and friends farewelled Brian Russell outside his villa at Merton Village, Denman late last month to live with his son and family, after his wife moved into full time care.

Although only a resident at Merton village for a little over a year, Brian loved the quality of the units and management and the friendship of the neighbours. Because of his own health problems, Brian needed a lot of help from the Merton Home Care service and is full of praise for the 'Merton Angels' who helped him - Renae (co-ordinator), Kathy, Cheryl, Janice, Joy, Rebecca and Terry.

A writer on thoroughbred breeding since early 1963 and associated with the industry in the Hunter Valley ever since, Brian made what will be possibly his last call at a stud in the region when he attended the stallion parade at Widden on August 22nd.

Starting off his career in commenting on breeding in Sydney 56 years ago, brian lived at Scone for five years and Muswellbrook for 27. While at Scone he established a national breeding monthly magazine under the banner of Australian Bloodhorse Review and moved to Richmond NSW so it could be produced by Rural Press. It now has new owners and a name change to Bluebloods.

Due to be 89 on September 21, Brian in recent years has been publishing regular reviews under Australian Thoroughbred sent by email to 3400 people involved in breeding and racing. He hopes to resume reports in the near future.

Coral

Aged 85, Home Care

" It's the independence they give me by helping, you know that someone will be there for you. I like the help because I keep thinking I am going to fall every minute. I am really happy I never look back and i get to stay at home."