I first met Jenny and Justin when I worked alongside them in the Box Office at The Corn Exchange Theatre in Newbury, Berkshire. Having recently moved south from the Highlands of Scotland, I was delighted to get a part-time job within something I loved - the theatre. The Box Office being a two-person set up, some days I worked with Jenny, some days with Justin. They were both interested to hear about life in the north of Scotland and we all got along really well.
For me it was an instant introduction to the gay scene. Justin was a very ‘camp’ young eighteen year old, good company and great fun. Tales of his love life in Newbury and whispered information about how to recognise gay men in the crowd coming through the auditorium on a busy theatre night, were always a source of amusement. I in turn, was a source of amusement for Justin who described me as 'The most un-cool person I have ever met!' This in reference to my sense of style, or rather the lack of it in his opinion, telling me he didn’t know anyone else who wore cardigans and black patent court shoes.
On our shifts together, Jenny and I would share life stories. Being of a similar age, we had a lot in common and found we were interested in the same kind of things. She was however, much more stylish than me, which Justin was quick to point out, suggesting that I should 'Shop in younger stores, like Jenny does…' for my clothes. He also, to my delight, showed me how to use eyelash curlers! Perfecting his ‘look’ at the mirror behind the Box Office was important, before starting work on the front desk.
Inevitably, life eventually took us in different directions. I moved back to Scotland.
Jenny spent a lot of time living in France and Justin trained as a nurse. We were very proud of him for doing that.
However, the threesome friendship which began over thirty years ago always remained. Jenny and I met up in Paris and enjoyed a few days seeing the sights together. More recently, Justin travelled to Scotland with his husband and fell in love with the Highlands. How did he find my more mature sense of style? He made only one observation 'Nowadays Iris, I’m the one wearing the cardigans!'