Fred and Linda’s Photograph Album

This book contains Fred and Linda’s Photograph Album from 1983 and will eventually contain all photographs up to the current date.

Fred is Frederick William Merritt of East Ham, London, England, and Linda is Otelinda Merritt née Otelinda Vicente Dos Santos of Loulé Portugal

1983 Prelude

Our Story starts in 1983 when Fred, an employee of IBM UK Ltd was sent on assignment to IBM’s European Headquarters in Paris France.

The first part of Fred’s assignment was to find accommodation in Paris, and for this he was allocated several "house hunting" trips from the UK to Paris to find the accommodation, and to arrange to move there. The arrangements included an Estate Agent, and a taxi driver to drive Fred around the accommodation until a suitable residence was found.

One of the earlier trips was in May 1983. In this particular trip Fred was house hunting around Versailles.

Figure 1. Fred at Versailles.

Fred did not find accommodation that day, but shortly afterwards, he found a very nice apartment at 17 Rue Auber in the centre of Le Vésinet which was a short distance from Versailles.

Figure 2. Map of Le Vésinet

Shortly afterwards Fred moved house to Le Vésinet and started to work in IBM EHQ’s office at La Défense. Located in the west of Paris, La Défense is one of the major business districts in Europe.

In the first few months that Fred lived in Le Vésinet, he became friendly with a local Portuguese man named Acaçio Nunes, his wife Marie Thérese, and their daughter Sophie. At or around the October/November timeframe, Fred was invited to the apartment of Acaçio and Marie Thérese, and there he was introduced to Portuguese girlfriend of theirs Otelinda Vicente Dos Santos, who was known as Linda for short. In the afternoon, Fred, Linda Marie Thérese and Sophie went for a walk in a local park in Le Vésinet called Les Ibis.

Figure 3. Linda Marie Thérese and Sophie at Les Ibis.

Fred was instantly attracted to Linda, but since he was unable to say very much in French, and his Portuguese was non-existant, and Linda also did not speak any English, they could not really communicate. Fred unfortunately was not to meet Linda again until 1986.

1986

June 1986

Fast forward almost three years to June 1986. Fred now an established resident of Le Vésinet was once again invited to the house of Acaçio and Marie Thérese, and by coincidence(?) so was Linda. This time, Fred could speak a little French, and wasted no time in asking Linda for her telephone number. During the next few weeks, Fred phoned Linda, and they went out on a few dates together.

At this time Linda was living at Rue Sainte Marguerite near La Villette just to the North-East of Paris, and was working in a leather goods shop called La Sellerie in nearby Pantin. Linda’s two sons Alexandre and Christophe (Alex and Chris(Kiki)) were on holiday with their paternal grandmother in Cheleiros in Portugal, which meant that after work Linda had quite a bit of free time. Fred would phone Linda and arrange to meet her after work at La Sellerie, over the next couple of months they would spend many happy evenings together.

July 1986

Linda had already planned to join her children in Portugal during the month of August, and Fred and Linda decided that Fred and his daughter Claire would also join them in Portugal. Fred’s daughter Claire who was living in England with her mother would fly from London to Lisbon and stay with Acaçio, Marie Thérese, and Sophie at Acaçio’s parents house in Baixa da Banheira, and Fred and Linda would drive to Lisbon in Fred’s car from Paris with Linda’s brother Daniel, his wife Filomena, and their two children Katy and Joel.

August 1986

Finally after what seemed an interminable wait, the end of July arrived. At the time, Fred was working in an overflow office in Tour Albert 1ere, Rueil Malmaison. This was just two stations away from Le Vésinet on the RER(the regional express train). Fred left the office at about 6.00 p.m., and was swifly home. Linda’s brother, his wife Filomena, and their two children Katy and Joel were already with Linda at the apartment in Le Vésinet, as they were travelling in the car with us to Portugal. As much stuff as could be packed in the car was packed that evening, and it was early to bed as we were off bright and early on the morrow.

The trip to Portugal

It was a long journey to Portugal, and mostly uneventful. There was one small incident on the journey that was worthy of mention and that was when we were crossing the Serra between Portugal and Spain, just north of Badajoz. We has stopped the car for a coffee, and when we had finished, we started off again and unbeknown to us, Filomena had left her purse containing all her documents and money on the roof of the car. After a few kilometres Mena noticed that her purse was missing and we retraced our steps back to where we had stopped, but of course - there was no sign of the purse. We drove to the nearest Spanish provincial town, and reported the loss to the police, and continued our journey to Portugal.

We arrived at Daniel and Mena’s house at Quinta da Torrão with no further incidents. We spent the next day at Daniel and Mena’s house, and some temporary accommodation was arranged for us to stay a few days in an empty apartment that belonged to some friends of the family of Daniel and Mena, at nearby Quinta da Lomba.

A few days later, it was time to collect the children. Linda took Fred’s car and drove to Cheleiros to collect Alex and Kiki, and Fred went to Sesimbra with Daniel to eat sardines. On returning from Sesimbra we had an emergency call from Linda, because although Fred had given Linda the key to the car, he had forgotten to give her the key to the petrol tank, and she had run out of petrol. Someone rushed the key to Linda and the situation was recovered.

The next day, we went to Baixa da Banheira, to Acacio’s parents house to collect Claire, and bring her back with us to Quinta da Lomba. At last we were all together.

Praia da Creiro

A few days after this we went together to Praia da Creiro at Arrábida for a days relaxation on the beach. Arrábida was just south of where we were staying.

Figure 4. Map showing Creiro

The beautiful Creiro beach is situated at Portinho da Arrábida and is the most popular destination in the Arrábida Natural Park. The stunning landscape reminds one of the beaches of Southeast Asia, but stepping into the water reminds us that this is the Atlantic Ocean. Although the water is fairly cold, the sea here is beautifully calm and transparent. Creiro is a perfect beach for children to play and also for couples who want to spend a romantic day by the sea.

Figure 5. Claire Alex and Kiki arrive at Creiro

This was Claire’s first exposure to a beach in Portugal, although I would guess that Alex and Chris had been there before.

Figure 6. Claire and Alex

It didn’t take Claire and Alex very long to investigate the water, which was surprisingly warmer than expected.

Figure 7. Linda

Linda looking very lovely. It looks like Alex in the left foreground showing her what seems to be a starfish.

Figure 8. Claire and Fred

A very happy father with his daughter.

And a very happy Fred with Linda.

Figure 9. Fred and Linda

Figure 10. Claire and Christophe

It looks like Kiki thinks something(treasure perhaps?) is buried here!!

Figure 11. Lita

Linda’s niece Lita is looking very lovely too!!

Figure 12. Alex

Alex appears to be washing his hands!!

010 Claire and Christophe digging deeper

Figure 13. Claire and Kiki digging again

Meanwhile, Claire and Kiki seem to be digging deeper!!

Figure 14. Claire and Kiki still digging

Is there no end to this hole!!

Figure 15. Lita and Alex

Lita comes to see what Alex is up to.

Figure 16. Linda looking very lovely.

Figure 17. Time for a bite to eat.

We all went for some lunch at the local beach bar.

Figure 18. The table - photographed by Kiki.

Figure 19. The table from the other side- photographed by Alex.

Figure 20. The Pedalo.

After lunch is just about the right time to rent a Pedalo. I think the photographer must have had a little bit too much wine, judging by the blurring.

Figure 21. More Pedalo.

Alex swims back to the shore, and Chris dives in.

Figure 22. That wind-surfer looks very interesting.

Actually I think I would prefer a wind-surfer to a pedalo.

Figure 23. Diving Practise

Claire gets ready to show her diving skills.

Figure 24. The A22 returns to shore.

Claire was being very brave and standing up!!

Figure 25. Come in A22 - your time is up

All good things must come to an end.

Figure 26. All good things must come to an end.

Is it over already??

Figure 27. Christophe eyes up another pedalo.

Figure 28. Meanwhile Linda waits patiently on the beach.

Figure 29. Alex comes up to sit with Mum.

I might as well recharge my batteries while I am here!

Figure 30. And Claire goes back to the hole with Kikki.

Figure 31. This is definitely going to keep the Sea out.

Figure 32. Last efforts in the hole.

Kikki is very positive that his wall is going to hold. The sea is approaching fast and we should soon be able to find out how good the sea defenses will perform.

Unfortunately we are not going to find out, because all good things must come to an end, and now we have to go home.

9th August Christophes birthday

Saturday the 9th of August was Kiki’s 9th Birthday, and a birthday party was arranged for him at his Aunt Delia’s house in Palhais.

Figure 33. Map South of the river Tagus showing Palhais

Palhais is situated in the Union of the parishes of Palhais and Coina, under the municipal council of Barreiro just south of Lisbon, and separated from it by the river Tagus.

The morning started with a visit to Delia’s house.

Linda shows Kiki his birthday cards.

Figure 34. Linda Alex and Christophe

Alex and Claire, on the right of the picture look on.

Linda and Tó look through Kiki’s cards

Tó is Linda’s nephew, the son of her sister Delia.

Figure 35. Linda and Tó

Claire is looking everywhere - it’s all new to her.

Figure 36. Claire at Delia’s

Kiki and his big brother

Figure 37. Kiki and Alexandre

Linda with her boys

Figure 38. Linda, Kiki and Alex

After we left the house, we went for a walk around Palhais. The following photographs were taken around the fountain of "Nossa Senhora da Paz", a pretty little fountain in the centre of Palhais.

Figure 39. Claire and the group by the fountain.

Linda at the fountain with the birthday boy and Katy.

Figure 40. Linda at the fountain

Linda with Alex and Katy put something in the water.

Figure 41. Linda Alex and Katy

Tó comes up to see.

Figure 42. Linda and Tó at the fountain.

The group at the fountain.

Figure 43. Linda Tó, Katy and the boys.

The plaque on the fountain

Figure 44. The fountain itself.

Everybody seems very interested in what’s happening in the fountain.

Figure 45. The group looks fascinated

What’s Christophe got in his hand??

Figure 46. Christophe

Claire just smiles for the camera.

Figure 47. Claire

It looks like Christophe got a boat for his birthday!!

Figure 48. Christophe and Katy

Linda and ALex have a quiet chat.

Figure 49. Linda and Alex

Katy gives the camera a coy smile.

Figure 50. Katy

Katy and Christophe.

Figure 51. Christophe and Katy

Christophe’s boat in the fountain.

Figure 52. Christophes’s boat.

Claire poses in front of the fountain.

Figure 53. Claire by the fountain

Kiki explains a nautical point to Mum.

Figure 54. Linda with Alex and Christophe.

Lets put it back in the fountain.

Figure 55. Christophe at the fountain.

Claire Kiki and Katy by the fountain.

Figure 56. Claire Katy and Christophe at Palhais.

Two lovely girls by the fountain.

Figure 57. Claire and Linda in Palhais

Here we finish our little walk around Palhais, it’s time to go back and get Kiki’s birthday party en-route.

On the way back Alex decides to hang out at the Recreation Ground.

Figure 58. Alex in the recreation ground.

A kiss from mum for the birthday boy

Figure 59. Alex Linda and Kiki.

Lets get the party started.

From Left to right - Claire, Daniel(Linda’s brother), Alex, Lita, Filomena(the wife of Daniel), Linda, Tó, Fred, and Katy.

Figure 60. Kiki’s party

The party continued.

From left to right - Katy, Vanessa(Kiki’s second cousin), Patrick(Vanessa’s brother), and Kiki.

Figure 61. Kiki’s party 2

The party continued.

The back row from left to right - Delia, Katy, Tó, Patrick, and the birthday boy, while Alex is alone in the front row.

Figure 62. Kiki’s party 3

The party continued.

From left to right - Lita, Claire, Daniel, and Alex.

Figure 63. Kiki’s party 4

The party continued.

From left to right - Alex, Katy, Kiki and Claire.

Figure 64. Kiki’s party 5

The party continued.

From left to right - Tia Lurdes(Linda’s aunt), Adelaide(Tia’s daughter), Jorge(Marcelina’s husband) and Marcelina(Tia’s daughter).

Figure 65. Kiki’s party 6

Kiki blows out the candles.

Christophe blows out the candles, while Alex watches, and Katy and Claire clap.

Figure 66. Kiki’s party 7

All good things must come to an end.

Everybody thought it was a great party, and quite a few of us were quite tired.

Figure 67. Kiki’s party 8

The Algarve

A few days later, we drove down to Loulé in the Algarve. Linda’s mother and her sister and family were already there, and we had yet to arrange a place to stay.

Linda’s mother who was in the process of building her house in Malhada Velha, was staying in the house of an old aunt in Clareanes, and it was arranged that Alex and Christophe would sleep there, and Linda and Fred and Claire could sleep in a house of the family of Valerio(Linda’s brother in law) in Goncinha(the other side of Loulé) during the nights, and return to the old Aunt’s house during the day.

The Old Aunt’s House

Shortly after arrival.

Figure 68. Fred Linda Alex and the boys.

This photograph was taken in the kitchen of the Old Aunt’s house. To the left of the picture is Linda’s mother (Rosa Vicente Dos Santos), known as Mae Mae Rosa, with Kiki and Alex next to her. Next is Linda, with Fred to the right. Slightly obscured by Linda is Freddo(Frederic Laginha) Linda’s nephew.

Mae makes Farturas while Kiki looks very hungry

Figure 69. Mae making Farturas

Claire under the pipe from the Old Aunt’s cistern.

Figure 70. Claire under the cistern pipe.

There was no public water supply to the old Aunt’s house. Water was collected from the roof of the house when it rained, and stored in the cistern. This water was then pumped into the house water supply. The water was kept fresh by the addition of small fish to the cistern.

Claire and Anita outside the front door.

Figure 71. Claire and Anita outside.

Are there any more farturas??

Figure 72. Mae and Ana making farturas.

It’s a collaberative effort, Mae mixes up more dough, Ana does the frying, and Kiki still looks hungry

Anita looking very lovely outside.

Figure 73. Anita.

The family pose in the kitchen.

Figure 74. More in the kitchen.

All of us in the kitchen

Figure 75. In the old Aunt’s kitchen.

It must have been Kiki taking the photograph.

Claire at the bottom of the steps to the roof.

Figure 76. Claire

Claire on the top of the steps.

Figure 77. Claire and Valerio.

It looks like Valerio is doing some kind of work on the roof.

Valerio grills some sardines.

Figure 78. Claire and Valerio.

It’s the first time I’ve seen sardines grilled this way!!'.

Alex and Kiki.

Figure 79. Alex and Kiki.

I don’t remember where this photograph was taken.

Alex Kiki and Freddo in the garden.

Figure 80. Alex Kiki and Freddo.

Messing around in the old Aunt’s garden.

Loulé Market.

Figure 81. Claire and Valerio.

Linda and Claire just coming out of Loulé Market.

Linda, Valerio, Anita, and a bottle of wine.

Figure 82. Linda with Valerio and Anita.

With Claire in the left background.

Linda and Mae in the kitchen.

Figure 83. Linda and Mae.

Inside Loulé Market.

Figure 84. Loule Market.

Claire.

Figure 85. Claire.

Fred and Linda with Alex and Mae in the kitchen.

Figure 86. Fred and Linda with Alex and Mae.

Claire at the cistern with Valerio’s mother and Kiki.

Figure 87. Claire and Valerio’s mother.

I think Christophe was explaining to Claire about the fish in the cistern.

text-center]

Claire Kiki and Valerio’s Mother.

Figure 88. Claire Kiki and Valerio’s mother.

If you look down here Claire, you can see the fish!

Valerio with Ana and Mae.

Figure 89. Valerio with Ana and Mae.

Claire with Mae and Christophe.

Figure 90. Claire with Mae and Christophe.

Claire is carrying the bag that Mae made for her.

Claire with Alex and Christophe.

Figure 91. Claire with Alex and Christophe.

Linda and Alex in the Escort.

Figure 92. Linda and Alex in the Escort.

This was the trusty Escort registration number 231 QS 78 that had driven us down from Paris.

Ana, Linda, Valerio, Fred, Claire and Alex.

Figure 93. Back at the old Aunts.

Valerios’s Mother, Linda, Fred, Alex and Claire.

Figure 94. Back at the old Aunts.

Valerio’s family.

Figure 95. Valerio’s family.

Valerio’s family.

Figure 96. Valerio’s family.

Linda and Mae back in the old Aunt’s kitchen.

Figure 97. Linda and Mae.

Ana and Mae in the kitchen at the old Aunt’s.

Figure 98. Ana and Mae.

Claire on the bed at the old Aunt’s house.

Figure 99. Claire at the old Aunts.

Alex and Kiki.

Figure 100. Alex and Kiki.

I don’t know what Alex has in his mouth, but Kiki has a really nice smile.

Claire with Alex and Kiki.

Figure 101. Claire with Alex and Kiki.

Claire with Alex and Chris, on the bed at the old Aunts.

September 1986

During the holiday, Fred and Linda had decided that on return from the holiday they would move in and live together in Fred’s apartment in Le Vésinet, and they would be joined by Alex and Kikki when they returned from their grandmother’s.

The holiday duly ended, Fred and Linda returned to Paris, and Linda moved to Le Vésinet. Alex and Chris returned from their grandmother, and joined Fred and Linda in Le Vésinet, where they started at the local school.

During the previous few months Linda and Fred had slowly drawn closer to one another, and as this had continued after the holiday they decided to get married.

After a lot of difficulties getting the appropriate papers sorted out from Portugal, England and France a date was set for the 27th of December 1986 at the town hall(La Mairie) in Le Vésinet.

1986 October-November

December 1986

On the 13th of December 1986 the marriage banns were duly published. This was done by placing the marriage banns document on the notice board of the town hall, which in France is known as "La Mairie".

Figure 102. La Mairie Le Vésinet

The Town hall is situated at 60 Boulevard Carnot in the centre of Le Vésinet

Figure 103. Fred and Linda’s marriage banns

27th December 1986

Before the Ceremony

Figure 104. Linda and Fred outside the Mairie before the ceremony.

Linda and Fred were at the Mairie well before the start of the ceremony, they were both very nervous that everything should go well.

Figure 105. Fred Claire and Carol in the foyer of La Mairie.

In the background on the left are Linda’s cousin Adelaide and her daughter Vanessa, while in the background on the right you can see the rear view of Alex and Christophe looking out over Boulevard Carnot.

Figure 106. Linda and Christophe in the foyer.

Just coming through the door is Marie Thérese

Figure 107. Fred and Linda.

Fred and Linda in the room where the ceremony is about to take place.

Figure 108. Claire.

Claire in the ceremony room.

Figure 109. The Official Photographer.

The lady in this photograph is the official photographer.

Figure 110. Fred and Christophe.

It looks like the rear view of Vanessa climbing over the seat, with Claire in the background.

Figure 111. Fred, Alex, and Christophe.

10 Claire Alex and Christophe in the Mairie

Figure 112. Claire, Alex, and Christophe in the garden of La Mairie.

The Official Photographs

A lot of photographs were taken privately, but Fred and Linda had an official wedding photographer, and the following photographs were taken by her.

Figure 113. Fred and Linda stand before Le Maire.

At last the ceremony begins, and Fred and Linda stand before the mayor to take their vows. You can see Claire, Christophe and Katy in the background.

Figure 114. Fred and Linda stand before Le Maire.

Fred and Linda taking their vows. With Daniel(a friend from Le Vésinet), and Chris and Carol in the background, and Marie Thérese Linda’s bridesmaid, with her daughter Sophie to the left of Linda. It looks like Alex, Chris and Claire are behind Fred and Linda.

Figure 115. Fred puts the ring on Linda's finger.

The mayor gives the ring to Fred, who puts it on Linda’s finger. Chris and Marie Thérese look on.

Figure 116. Linda puts the ring on Fred's finger.

The mayor gives the ring to Linda, who puts it on Fred’s finger, while Claire and Marie Thérese look on.

The Signing of the Register.

Figure 117. Linda signs the register.

Figure 118. Fred signs the register.

10 Marie Therese(Bridesmaid) signs the register

Figure 119. Marie Thérese Linda’s Bridesmaid signs the register.

Figure 120. Valerio the best man signs the register.

And Now the Mayor addresses the newlyweds.

Figure 121. We get to listen to the Mayor.

13 The mayor presents Linda with the papers

Figure 122. The Mayor presents Linda with the Papers.

14 The mayor gives Fred an audio recording of the ceremony

Figure 123. The Mayor gives Fred an audio recording of the ceremony.

16 Congratulations from Tio Dias and Tia Lurdes

Figure 124. Congratulations from Tio Dias and Tia Lurdes.

Time to pose for the group photos

Figure 125. Outside La Mairie.

Figure 126. Outside La Mairie.

In the garden.

The garden of the Mairie was just to the left of the main entrance to the Mairie.

Figure 127. In the garden with the children.

Figure 128. More with the children in the garden.

And of course - it’s time for the "you may kiss the bride" photograph.

Figure 129. Fred and Linda.

Figure 130. Fred and Linda.

Figure 131. Fred and Linda.

Figure 132. Confetti

Figure 133. Thank goodness the confetti’s over!!

Figure 134. Marie Thérese and Sophie

Figure 135. Marie Thérese and Linda

Figure 136. Linda with our children

Figure 137. Our little Family

And now the rest of the family photographs.

Figure 138. Our extended Family

Figure 139. More extended Family

Figure 140. Linda and Daniel

36 Fred and Linda and more extended family

Figure 141. Fred and Linda and more extended family

37 Fred and Linda with Tio Dias and Tia Lurdes

Figure 142. Fred and Linda with Tio Dias and Tia Lurdes

The Reception at 17 Rue Auber

The wedding reception was held at Fred and Linda’s apartment at 17 rue Auber Le Vésinet.

The new Mme Otelinda Merritt returns to her apartment after the ceremony.

Figure 143. Linda enters the lounge at Rue Auber

And Chris is there ready to take her photograph.

Figure 144. Chris on the Camera

Adelaide and Marcirio are already on the banquette in the lounge

Figure 145. Adelaide and Marcirio

Adelaide is Linda’s cousin, the daughter of Tia Lurdes and Tio Dias.

Figure 146. Anita and Pascale in the entrance hall.

Anita (on the right of the photograph) is Linda’s niece, she is the daughter of Valerio and Ana. The girl on the right is Pascale a friend of Anita.

The newlyweds pose for a photograph.

Figure 147. Fred and Linda in the entrance hall.

Father and daughter, happy to be together on this special day.

Figure 148. Claire and Fred in the entrance hall.

Figure 149. Fred, Linda, Alex and Christophe.

Kiki looks a bit happier in this one

Figure 150. Alex and Christophe.

Figure 151. Linda Claire and Fred in the lounge.

Figure 152. Ana and Tia Lurdes.

The lady on the left of the photograph is Mme Silva, Marie Thérese’s mother.

The camera is having a rest for the moment.

Figure 153. Carol and Chris on the banquette.

Figure 154. Katy and Joel in the entrance hall.

Figure 155. Christophe in the lounge

Figure 156. Fred and Linda dancing in the lounge

Figure 157. Daniel and Mena with Katy and Joel

Figure 158. Claire the Photographer

Something has definitely got Claire’s attention

Figure 159. Claire Carol and Chris

Figure 160. I wonder what it is??

Figure 161. Valerio and Adelaide

Figure 162. Katy looking a little bit blurred.

It looks like it is time for the knobbly knees competition.

Figure 163. Freddo

Freddo(Frederic Laginha) is Ana and Valerio's youngest son.

It looks like everyone else is getting ready for a knobbly knees competition. The rules of the game are all the men bare their knees and sit in a random line. The wives go out, and one of them is blindfolded and brought in, and has to identify her husband by feeling his knees!