died 30th April 2009 aged 75

Apart from a brief spell at Paulton, Tony had lived all his life in Clutton, Somerset where he was well known and a friend to all. A church member all his life, he sang in the choir, was on the Church Council for many years and had served as Churchwarden under four different Rectors.

On leaving Grammar School, he worked for a shipping agent in Bristol and in 1956 he married Lucia. They had two boys and two girls, Peter the youngest being a regular ringer with the local band. Tony’s father and uncle had a shop and haulage business on the main A37 road and Tony would help at weekends with milk collection (in heavy churns in those days!) and other haulage work.

He started to ring at the end of the war under the tuition of Clifford Bennett, "The Gaffer", who, with the support of Harry Parsons of the pre-WWII band, had formed a new team after the war. He was made a member of the Bath & Wells Association in 1945. Clutton bells were out of action for some years from 1958 due to tower problems, but when the bells were brought back into use most of the ringers returned. Ringing for all services was always to a very high standard, with rising and falling in peal being one of their specialities. When "The Gaffer" died, Tony took over as Tower Captain and Secretary, a position he held until his death. We shall miss him in lots of ways.

Due to extensive roof repairs, Clutton Church was officially closed for services after Easter Sunday, but fortunately it was able to be used on Thursday, 7th May when it was completely full for the a service of thanksgiving and praise for Tony’s life, prior to his committal in Clutton churchyard. The service was conducted by the Rector, Reverend Anita Thome and tributes were paid by his sons, David and Peter.

The bells were rung half-muffied prior to the service by members of the local band including Peter and quarter peals at Stowey and Portbury were rung in his memory.

J.F.\M.J.H.