I remember Lesley bringing Barry home for the first time to meet our parents.  Our Mum was so excited!  With his calm and relaxed style Barry instantly became part of the family and soon gained the admiration of my parents that would last forever.

I didn’t know at that time,  Barry had attended Southfields Secondary School and had been part of the team that made our lunchtimes so enjoyable by broadcasting their radio shows on the school tannoy system.   His love of music and sound is well known and I have many happy memories of listening to recordings on his Revox tape deck.

Such was his kindness that when we bought our first caravan, I had never towed or even had a car with a tow bar, Barry was kind enough to drive me all the way down to Whitstable to collect the caravan and then tow it and help me get it set up on a site near Hastings. A round trip of over 150 miles.

I also have to thank him (or maybe blame him) for introducing Lydia and myself to Indian food. It is hard to imagine now but back in the late 70’s and early 80’s takeaways were not so ubiquitous and I can recall driving with Barry down to a shop in Plumstead and watching in amazement as the food was cooked in front of us.  The last time we saw Barry he recommended a new Indian restaurant to us and we will be sure to try it out next time we are in Sovereign Bay!

Barry’s devotion to my sister and his family was clear for all to see! For Lydia and myself, our everlasting memories of Barry will be of a kind person, always positive, good natured and above all else smiling! 
We’ll miss you Barry!

Ian and Lydia.