2024 News
Honours
Bill Nicholson, leader of the Newbury Working Party Group, was appointed an MBE for services to canal restoration in the 2024 New Years Honours. A retired senior planning officer, he has been involved in volunteer canal restoration for fifty years. Bill's parents, Robin and Mary Nicholson, had also been keen supporters of canal restoration.
Engagements
Patrick Faulkner to Emma Gerard-Pearse at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Joss Craig to Miranda Simpson at Lewa, Kenya
Joss Craig to Miranda Simpson at Lewa, Kenya
Deaths
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Michael Butcher, 86, died on 15 June at his home in Maidstone, Kent. He farmed initially at White Horse Farm in Linton, before farming for many years at Rabbits Cross Farm in Chart Sutton. Michael was predeceased by his son Giles in 2002 and his wife of 58 years Rosie, a keen horse carriage driver, in 2019. He is survived by his daughters Sally and Gay and his grandchildren.
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Chris Martin, 83, died peacefully on 11 May at his home in Copthorne, West Sussex. He had a long career with Barclays International, working extensively in Asia and the US. He was an avid golfer and keen traveller, and had a reputation as an excellent host to his many international guests. He is survived by his family and friends and colleagues from around the world.
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John White, 90, died peacefully on 21 March in Anacortes, Washington. He studied mechanical engineering in London and worked in manufacturing. He took his family to Canada in 1970, where he pioneered the use of concrete railway ties. He moved the business to Virginia in 1987 and retired in 2000, spending time boating and building an extensive model train set. John is survived by his wife Valerie and their children Martin and Philippa.
John Campbell, 82, died on 17 January in Auckland. Born in North Tolsta in the Outer Hebrides, he migrated to New Zealand where he married Kim Houston, with whom he had one child before divorcing. He was latterly in a care home with dementia. John is survived by Kim and their son Asa.
2023 News
Honours
Roly Keating, Chief Executive of the British Library, was awarded a knighthood for services to literature in the 2023 New Years Honours, and appointed Chevalier des Arts et Lettres by the French government. Having read classics at Balliol College, Oxford, he joined the BBC in 1983 and has been CEO since September 2012. His wife Caroline is the Leader of the Greens in the London Assembly.
Deaths
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Hugh Parkes, 88, died suddenly on 20 January in East Sussex. He was a farmer and had his own estate management firm. He served as a councillor for the Wealden District, and as chairman of the Wartling Parish Council. He was predeceased by his wife Rosemary nine months previously, and survived by his two children and two grandchildren.
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Richard Gibb, 72, died on 18 February in the Vale of Glamorgan. He was an agronomist and environmental activist, and a keen cricketer and golfer. In 2022, he was awarded fellowship of the Royal Agricultural Societies for his role in promoting dairy. He is survived by his wife and their children and grandchildren.
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Bunty Caverhill, 87, died on 27 February in her home town of Shaftesbury. She was the daughter, sister, and mother of practising solicitors. Predeceased by her husband in 2009, she is survived by her family in Dorset, Devon and France.
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Peter Mercer, 88, died on 12 June in North Vancouver, on the date of his choosing. Educated at Harrow, he became a chartered accountant in Hong Kong and Canada. He enjoyed hiking, tennis, skiing, and was an over-45s squash champion. He traveled extensively and supported the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. He is survived by his former wife, their children and grandchildren, and his second wife Ginger, whom he met at the Vancouver School of Theology.
Andrew Mercer, 55, died following a battle with ALS on 6 December in Point Prim on Prince Edward Island. Andrew was a helicopter pilot with the Canadian Air Forces for 32 years. He was also an accomplished exhibited artist, and enjoyed motorcycling and the water. Andrew is survived by his wife Sara and their son Ben, as well as his mother Penny, brother Timothy, sister Caroline, and extended family.
Last updated `30 October 2024