I am sorry that one of my first posts on this new blog is a sad one, but I wanted to do a tribute to my little goldfish Weasley, who sadly passed away. I hope you will enjoy reading about the year and a half I spent with him, and raise a glass to his memory!
Weasley Tremelling was born in Cadbury Garden Centre, where he spent the first few days of his life swimming around a big tank with his many friends.
On June 19 2009 I visited the garden centre to find a new friend for my goldfish Paddington, who had recently lost his tank mate Phillip. I saw a little orange goldfish energetically swimming up and down and decided that I wanted that one. The boy who was working there was a bit annoyed that I had picked a specific fish as it meant he would have to follow it with a net to catch it. He said ‘Can’t you just have that one near the top, they are all the same anyway’. Well, I knew Weasley was special, and insisted I wanted him. The boy spent almost 20 minutes floundering in the tank, following Weasley, and then he was out and in a plastic bag ready to go to his new home. I was pleased, Weasley was pleased, and I think the boy was just pleased to see the back of me! Little did he know that during the next year I would be back many times asking questions about Weasley’s health, what toys to buy him, and what type of food they sold was most nutritious!
Weasley, named after my favourite ginger Ron Weasley in Harry Potter, soon settled into his new tank, in my flat in Clevedon. However a few weeks later tragedy struck, and Paddington died. Weasley and Paddington had become good friends, and he was sad by his death. He coped well, and soon adapted to living on his own.
Weasley spent many happy hours swimming around his tank, and loved to play with his ship, nicknamed The Good Ship Weasley. I remember one time, when he was still quite small, that he swam in the hole in the ship and got stuck! I had to lift the ship and gently tip him out!!
Weasley was also a big fan of Friends, and used to swim to the corner of his tank facing the television whenever it was on.
Earlier this year Weasley’s star qualities were recognised, and he was given his own show on Sunshine Hospital Radio. It aired at 8.30pm every Monday and came complete with a jingle, written and produced by Selina Cross ‘He’s the only fish with his own show, its Weasley’s Fishy Tales.’ During this show I talked about what Weasley had been up to, which always amused people in the studio, and I like to think the patients too.
In May Weasley went on an epic journey to the other side of Clevedon, as we moved back to my parents. This first posed quite a problem, as I was unsure how to move him. My Dad, ever the sensible one, suggested using a matchstick box to put him in and running fast. He said ‘Its ok, he can hold his breath!’ Needless to say, I did not go with this idea, and instead came up with a genius plan of my own! I emptied out three quarters of the water in the tank, masking taped the lid on, and balanced it on my legs in the car. A short drive later, during which my dad hit every pothole on the way, we arrived and Weasley was fine. He soon adapted to his new surroundings, and loved the Spongebob toy I got him as a moving in present.
On June 19th Weasley celebrated his 1st birthday with a small party with friends, and a special mention on the radio.
In July something amazing and exciting happened! We discovered that Weasley was psychic Inspired by Paul the Octopus, (who coincidently died the same day as Weasley), I decided to put Weasley up for the test. The challenge was set….to predict who would win the World Cup Game Germany against Spain Spain , who later that evening went on to beat Germany
The excitement died down for Weasley a bit, until a few months ago, when I entered him into a best looking pet competition. Weasley made it into the semi finals of the best looking fish category, which showed what I had always known, that he was a beautiful fish! Unfortunately he didn’t get into the final, but he was always a winner in my eyes!!
Weasley died on Tuesday October 26, sometime between 9am and 5.30pm. He was discovered by my dad peacefully lying at the bottom of his tank next to his Spongebob toy. When I left for work that morning he seemed fine. I take some comfort from the fact that he didn’t die from a long illness, and didn’t suffer. It happened suddenly, so he was not in pain.
To sum up, Weasley was a beautiful little goldfish, who will be missed by many. He was a great Radio DJ fish, and was an important part of the Manic Monday Crew. But most importantly he was my baby and friend, and I will miss him. I know he is swimming around the great tank in the sky, and looking down on us all.
Weasleys Fishy Tales may have ended, but the legend will live on forever.
RIP Weasley xxxxxxxxx
