Aubrey
Welsh
What's New - 16 June 2026
Aubrey in the UK - 16 June
After almost two months travelling around South Africa - 'surprising' as many people as I was able to - I'm now in London for two weeks.
It has been fantastic to catch up with long-time friends and a brief re-visit of some of the places which have been very influential in my life.
Thanks to all those who have hosted me; I would not have been able to afford this travel without your contributions.
From central London, to 'Constable Country' and finally 'Herts, Beds and Bucks' - I've seen old places and new places. Browse through the pics on the page: 2026 in Pictures
Michael and May at Warblerswick Beach
Willy Lott's cottage in Flatford
The Shard behind Tower of London
Me at Ashridge Estate, Berkhamsted
Colville's Glory - Madagascar
Wendy Duffy
It's all about the right to 'choice'
I am posting a link (you may need to register) to the story of Wendy Duffy because I fervently believe in the right of every individual to choose how and when they end their lives.
I am only too keenly aware that this 'right' is not one which has received much attention but, in recent decades, more and more people are beginning to reflect on the process of aging and the decreasing quality of life which accompanies it.
As we're living much longer than in previous centuries, we are falling prey to increasing disease, higher rates of dementia and mental ill-health, greater suffering through that aging process and yet–one is simply expected to accept these challenges simply as 'part of life'?
I believe it is time to conduct wide ranging discussion on the subject, increase research opportunities and draw appropriate conclusions.
Ian von Memerty's 'self-deliverance'
Goodness Me!
Ian's self-deliverance towards the end of February 2026 has certainly got South Africa talking. And it is for this reason that I applaud him. We must discuss, debate, argue, agree—the simple idea of making what is known as an 'end-of-life' choice.
Because it is a choice.
Whilst there have been significant changes in legislation over the decades with regard to those who are terminally ill and who have less than six months to live, there is a large group of people who do not fit neatly into those requirements. This is why we are championing society to talk about death and dying.
In my case, and like Ian, I am relatively healthy (although I have over the past two years been dealing with very late stage colon cancer). But, unlike Ian, I have not had employment or financial difficulty and I cannot agree with his claiming this as a 'reason' for his decision. My decision is based on my belief that I have had 'a completed life'.
Thoughts on Ian's passing ...
During my brief exchange with Ian prior to his passing, I shared with him my own reasons for considering ending my life i.e. having had 'a completed life'.
Ian's reasons included a lack of employment and associated income which would result in his becoming 'poor' and thus not able to take care of himself and his family. I disagree with this reasoning, arguing that I do not believe that these are 'acceptable' reasons for ending one's life.
Yet I do understand that many people have not prepared financially for post-employment life and feel the financial constraints very keenly. I also disagree with his use of the term 'self-deliverance'. I can understand why he chose it but I do not feel comfortable using that phrase for my own actions. We need to let the lawyers and medical fraternity create the best definition for our decision and processes.
Auckland Art Gallery
Death Cafe - Auckland
For some time now, I have been attending these monthly events at the Auckland Art Gallery - simply to engage in discussion about aging and dying - with people who are interested in widening our understanding of dying.
They do not focus on death itself and no attendees (as far as I'm aware) are proponents of suicide. In fact, most chat is around living more effectively and being respectful and supportive of those around us who are experiencing difficulty in their later lives.
Death Cafe is a global institution - if you're interested, look for one near you.