It is with sadness that we report the death of Gerald Barnett.
Gerald died peacefully at home on July 17th from complications following bladder cancer.
He had been a member of the Group since he retired in 1993, joining the committee soon after and taking on the role of Group Secretary, which he undertook with diligence and skill. This was at an important time for EBRA as we were raising our profile, establishing the group as a major force for the Countryside. We were becoming a stronger voice in negotiations with the Council and local landowners, in order to achieve improvements and enhancement to the ROW network.
In addition to his secretarial duties, Gerald researched and led walks, and with the help of his wife, Sheila, organised holidays twice yearly for the Group. These mainly took the form of three night breaks, at an HF hotel in the Spring and at a private hotel (researched and booked by Sheila) in the Autumn. They did this for fourteen years, and the holidays were very popular with the members and often oversubscribed.
On the social side Gerald was the MC at Christmas parties, setting quizzes and running indoor games and barn dances. He enjoyed cooking, especially Bar-B-Qs for friends and family, and baked his own bread (providing some at the parties).
He retired from the committee at the age of 85 to spend more time on his other interests, such as playing golf and socialising with old friends, who will feel his absence.
His services to the Ramblers and the walking public were immense and as a friend he is irreplaceable.
Gordon Marrs