Silver threads, golden bonds: Celebrating lifelong friendships

↑ Early morning walks on Horderns Beach, Bundeena↑ Immersing ourselves in the healing nature of the Australian bush

↑ Pops of colour in the bush.

↑ Our retreat to Bundeena allowed us space to breathe, reconnect deeply and reflect amidst nature's calming embrace.

↑ Taking in the evocative scent of the bush

↑ Textures and shape inspiration

"Make new friends, but keep the old; one is silver, the other is gold."

This saying beautifully encapsulates the value of enduring friendships and the joy of new connections, reminding us that both old and new relationships enrich our lives in profound ways.

I first met my friend Emma in the vibrant early nineties in London, introduced by mutual friends. Instantly bonded by our shared passions for art, design, fashion, and the outdoors, we quickly became inseparable. Those days were marked by adventurous travels – Turkey's bustling bazaars, New York's energetic streets, Parisian elegance, and the endless charm of London's hidden corners. Our young palates expanded at iconic restaurants by Terence Conran – Quaglino's glamour, Bibendum’s elegance, and Chelsea’s bustling Blue Bird Garage (we saved and saved so we could go once a month!). Hours disappeared wandering through Habitat and Tricia Guild's vivid King's Road boutique, dreaming of the homes we’d someday create.

When I returned to Australia, the bond didn’t weaken, it adapted. Emma visited our farm, embracing the raw beauty of the Australian bush with enthusiasm and openness. She rode on the back of Matt’s motorbike, swam carefree in our local water hole, enjoyed barbies under the Milky Way. Watching her immerse herself in our rural lifestyle – so far from her urban London life – brought us even closer. And I'm forever grateful she knew Matt, experiencing firsthand his warmth and generosity.

As the years unfolded, life inevitably brought its waves: marriage, children, illness, divorce, loss. Physical distance grew, yet our friendship endured, quietly maintained through heartfelt messages, long emails, and late-night phone calls – small but steady threads woven over time, a testament to the strength of our earlier years.

Now, after many years, Emma is back in Australia. We’ve spent a glorious week reconnecting, starting with a whirlwind tour through Sydney’s vibrant streets, sharing my favourite hidden gems. Our retreat to Bundeena, nestled in the national park, allowed us space to breathe, reconnect deeply and reflect amidst nature's calming embrace and the evocative scent of the bush. We walked, talked endlessly, and yes, we cried bucket loads of tears.

Now back in Rockley, Emma has been joyfully drawn into my plans for Bank House, her enthusiasm rekindling my excitement for the future. Her presence has reminded me of life's possibilities and the importance of embracing each moment. Matt's spirit feels close, guiding me gently forward, reminding me life remains rich and meaningful.

Friendship, both old and new, is truly life’s precious treasure – silver and gold, shining brightly through all seasons.