IN LOVING MEMORY - TOM'S JOTTNGS
Stories remembered with love
This section is dedicated to my husband, Tom — a natural storyteller with a twinkle in his eye and a knack for turning everyday adventures into tales worth sharing. From life in Turkey and his humorous newspaper columns to chance encounters with remarkable people, these memories celebrate the laughter, surprises, and heart that shaped our journey together.
Pull up a chair and enjoy these glimpses of Tom’s world, offered as part of Whispers for the Heart — moments to smile over, remember, and keep alive.
Tom's Jottings were written for a local newspaper in Dalyan, Turkey. This is not one or the articles but it's still a loving memory:
A Tower of London Tale – Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt & Jennifer Aniston - Jack The Tipper & the Ceremony of the Keys
In November 2002 Tom and I travelled to London to get our Turkish resident visas
Tom knew a Yeoman Warder – commonly nicknamed a “Beefeater,” a term that dates back to the days when they were paid partly in beef – and he wanted to introduce me.
Kenny, the Warder, was the older brother of one of Tom’s school friends. Tom had kept in touch over the years, visiting the Tower of London whenever he could (he even went there once with the Tyldesley brass band he played for). We joined one of Kenny’s public tours and caught up with him at the end. He kindly invited us to return that evening for the ancient Ceremony of the Keys, a nightly tradition that has locked the Tower gates every night for over 500 years.
In the Tower’s private bar Kenny shared stories. One of his favourites concerned the time Johnny Depp quietly joined his Jack the Ripper walking tour while researching a film. Afterward, the polite “young man” bought Kenny a pint and finally introduced himself. Kenny had no idea who he was! Johnny then introduced his companions Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston, and again Kenny remained blank.
Kenny invited them back to his home inside the Tower to witness the Ceremony of the Keys. You can imagine his wife and daughter’s delight when he returned home and told them the “friends” he'd invited to the Tower that night.
Each of the Hollywood visitors later wrote Kenny personal thank-you letters. Legend has it Johnny even tweaked the title of his Jack the Ripper film (From Hell) after their conversation.
Kenny had many other adventures. On one trip to America, while escorting Princess Diana in full ceremonial uniform, she kindly told him he could leave early. Walking back alone, still in his striking red coat and Tudor hat, he startled a group of youths who thought he was out for fancy-dress night!
Even within the Tower walls there was humour. A fellow Yeoman Warder once announced (tongue firmly in cheek) that he was single and gave his enviable address as No. 1 Tower of London – parking space included.