Hillens.com

Here are the chronicles of Simon's first half century on this little blue planet.

Simon soon after arriving on the planet, although he is clearly having second thoughts (perhaps he suspects that his gap-toothed elder brother is a banjo player).

A few years on, and Simon is still not too sure about life - Nigel and Janet are a couple of happy fools (must be the medication).

Simon mowing the lawn in the back garden at 4 Baron's Grove, Mitcham.

Family group at the Oak Inn, Ardingly - around 1965.

Simon and Janet enjoying some of that fine Scilly sunshine in 1975

Here we see Simon newly elevated to prefectorial status. 1975, outside 38, Mendip Drive.

Passing Out Parade 1977. This is the Passing Out Parade proper. What a fine young officer.

Passing Out Hendon 1977. This was taken shortly after the Passing Out parade at Hendon Training school in April 1977.

Simon writes: Take a close look at this photo from the Grunwick dispute in 1977 and see if you can spot two people you know.....!
I found a copy of the Times on the 'tube' some weeks ago and found this photo. I then contacted the Times who very kindly, free & gratis, supplied me with a 15" x 10" photo of the event:

(Copyright 'The Times')

The two familiar faces in the crowd are:

Bob 'Are you talking to me?' Cooper

and

Simon 'Mr Mojo' Hillen

Here is a certificate awarded to Simon for work bloody well done, as usual.

Keep it in the family, that's my advice ! Janet & John's flat one new year.

Backgammon Blues: I wonder who might have been winning ? Or rather, who is about to become a bad loser ? This pic was taken at Janet's Woerden flat (I think) around 1984.

Simon drags Nigel kicking and screaming into the church .... a best man's lot is not an easy one!

Simon behind bars .... sadly someone found the key that we had thrown away!

Beer-mat flipping ..... can sometimes come in flipping handy.

One of many revisits to the golden youth that we would all like to have had.

....well I know that size isn't everything ... but really!!!

Happy idiots in a Dutch tram

This kid is waaaayyyyyy out of the closet!

Smee stares pensively out at the lights of downtown Hamster Jam

Cheerful nose miner

Simon and RJ in cheery mood (well, one of them anyway) at Theo and Wilma's wedding, 1979.

Couple of very dodgy punters.

Weren't the 80's great.....? If these two aren't terminally gay then my gaydar must be on the fritz

Back garden at Heronslade. I don't think Sarah & I will be trying that again any day soon. Not if I wish to straighten up again afterwards.

Land of the giants, reducing carbon footprints or is it just more British Rail cut backs ? Or indeed did Alison, cousin Clive, Sarah & Simon put on a sudden growth spurt ?

Taken outside the Holy Trinity Church, Brook Green, Hammersmith.
From left to right, Terry, Reg, Simon, Bob, Sarah, Paddy, Noel & Dorothy.

From left to right, Dorothy (Maid of Honour), Alison (Bridesmaid), Simon, Sarah, Bob (Best Man) & Debbie (Bridesmaid).

The smiles are beginning to show signs of wear and tear.

The Guinness book of records were called as nobody had ever seen so many people smiling, standing and sleeping at the same time. Multi tasking reached new heights that day.

Simon and RJ at Smee's wedding on 17th Sept 1983:

Noel and Olive 17th Sep 1983. Sarah & Simon's wedding reception at the Kensington Hilton.

This was at a place called Bissell's Fish Bar and Restaurant in King Street, Hammersmith. Taken around 1984, Olive, RJ and Alison were also there.

Birthday Cake at 38, Ellaline Road, Hammersmith. I have no idea who was celebrating a birthday though.

Arriving at the Soetendaallaan for Genevieve's christening, 1982

Let's be 'avin a nice big girly cuddle then!

Simon and Mum enjoying a cuddle in Beeston

Simon and Mum in the garden at Beeston, on the occasion of SImon's 35th birthday (1993). Mother was in the final stages of her illness at the time.

Moving swiftly along, here we are at Simon's 40th birthday party. Here we see the entire group of siblings from left to right (in increasing order of age) Alison, Paul, Simon, Janet, and Nigel.

Simon gets Henry's point (it's not as bad as it sounds).

Here we see a couple of Chav wannabees in Kephalonia

...and a rather tasty father and son shot from that same idyllic holiday in the sun.

Interesting group photo. From left to right, Simon, his son Sean, Edwin, and his mother, Janet.

Tasty geezah - what right-minded woman wouldn't lust after this smoothie!

In 2000, Simon and the gang spent their holidays in the English Lake District. Here are the holiday snaps.

Christmas 2003 was spent with the in-laws in Hammersmith. Details here.