Albert Hall has lived a long, hard life, shaped by both the love and loss he’s experienced. Born in the upstairs room of his home, 428 Colliery Row, Albert was the youngest child of Eugene and Eileen Hall. His happy childhood was overshadowed by war and while he, his parents, and his sisters took shelter; his older brothers were fighting bravely for King and Country –  a fight that cost them their lives.

At 18, Albert was called to serve his National Service, two years he would later describe as the strangest of his life. He found the rigid routines and stern faces a stark contrast to the love and warm he was accustomed to from his family at home. Albert adapted as best as he could and even made a few friends out of the ordeal before gratefully returning to civilian life.

Now back at home, Albert faced a different kind of challenge; with his sisters raising their own families the task of caring for his aging parents fell squarely and solely onto his shoulders. To support them he followed in his Father’s footsteps and began working as a miner down the local pit. The hours were long and the work was difficult but Albert remained steadfast in his mission to support his family. It wasn’t long before his hard work was noticed and he earned the position of pit foreman.

On his days off Albert could often be found at the Pittman’s Working Men’s Club just across the road from his house. It was there he first saw Joan, a spirited, young barmaid whose warm smile caught his attention. Albert was immediately smitten with her but was too shy and reserved to approach, instead keeping to the background. Fate, however, had other plans for Albert. One night, their eyes finally met and, face flushing with nerves, he  awkwardly struck up a conversation. Joan’s kindness and warm put Albert at ease and a strong friendship blossomed between them.

It took Albert a few years to summon the courage to ask her out on a romantic date. He was nervous, his heart was pounding heart and he felt the sweat beading on his forehead. He was over the moon when she eagerly accepted, his heart soared with joy with the knowledge that she felt the same connection. Their courtship was brief but passionate and it wasn’t long before they were wed. Joan moved in with Albert to start their married life, and together they shared the responsibility of caring for his parents.

It wasn’t long after Joan moved things took a turn for the worst and his parents health started to decline. It devastated Albert to watch his once vibrant and energetic parents slow down and become bedbound. It was Joan’s support and love that carried him through the loss of his parents, she became his anchor in stormy seas, and she helped him process his grief with compassion.

As their life started to settle, Albert began to feel a longing for something more, so when Joan suggested fostering he readily agreed, excited for a new adventures. Fatherhood didn’t come naturally to him at first, but with time he grew into a devoted and loving caregiver. 

They were fostering a young girl named Emma when Joan approached him and shared her feelings about the child. Joan felt like Emma was true family and the daughter that they were destined to have. Albert couldn’t deny it. The idea of letting Emma go one day was unbearable and together they decided to ask if she’d like to officially become their daughter. Emma’s big beaming smile and tight hug made Albert’s heart swell with joy. He was going to be a father.

While Emma was studying at Britechester University, devastation struck that would rip Albert’s happy life into pieces. Joan was diagnosed with cancer. He struggled to accept the news and pleaded with Joan to slow down and rest so she could recover, but much to his despair Joan ignored him and continued living life on her terms. Her remission brought tears of relief for Albert and he celebrated by throwing her a large party at the Pittman’s, inviting everyone they knew to share their joy and excitement for a new, healthy chapter to begin.

However his happiness was short lived and just three years later Joan’s cancer had returned more aggressive and relentless than before. For the first time, Albert saw Joan’s energy fading and it broke his heart to see his spirited wife become weak and tired. Together with Emma, Albert filled Joan’s final days with love and warmth. They spent their time completing puzzles, watching movies snuggled up on the sofa, and reminiscing about their life together. When the time came, Joan passed peacefully, cradled in Albert’s warm arms. He held her tightly as he gave her one last gentle kiss.

Albert now spends his days fishing, tending to his garden and pottering around his house. He often finds himself speaking aloud to Joan, finding solace and comfort in their one sided conversations. Each year on her birthday he watches Joan’s favourite movie, Lady and the Tramp, cuddled up with their dog, Lady. A small act to keep her spirit alive.