BBC - Asian Network - Silver Street The Residents

Bill

“It feels good to be back in Silver Hill. Me and my ex-wife Jean raised our two children, Ray and Mel here. I’m really proud of those two; they’ve grown up into confident and successful adults. After Mel and Ray left home there was this overbearing distance between me and Jean, which just got bigger and bigger with time. It wasn't long before we filed for divorce. I remember it being such a big stigma at St. Benedicts, our Catholic Church. I think that Ray as the oldest, respected our decision, but Mel didn’t take it too well. Jean has since remarried and now lives in Spain. I do see her on the occasional family get-together. We share a lot of history and two wonderful kids. There’s no point in keeping her as the enemy.

I thought that after Jean I would never be able to meet anyone whom I would really care for. That was until I moved back into the area because of my job. Back in the day, a few of us used to get together in the Golden Crown. Mary and I always used to get on really well. When I called in for a quick drink I was thrilled to see Mary again behind the bar, looking amazing.

Since then we’ve spent a lot of time together and enjoyed each other’s company. For years she had neglected herself, putting her family first, what with her late husband and the rest of the brood. I had to convince her that I am here for the long run. It took a lot of persuasion but I finally got her up the aisle. Ray and Mel weren't too happy about it, they were worried I might be taking on a whole load of problems what with Pete and the gym, and Siobhan, well there's one big problem! But it’s hard for anyone not to like Mary. She is such a strong woman …now I just need to get her to take it easy a bit more so we can start enjoying a retirement together. It won't be easy to get her away from that pub. And I need a fresh start more than ever now after the accident. As long as we live around here people are going to look at me and say 'That's the guy who killed Zak's wife'. That's not something I'll ever really get over."