I met John in 1973 when we both attended teacher-training college in Brighton. Carole kindly asked me to say a few words at yesterday's service. Hopefully they give a 'flavour' of the great character and friend that was John! 

John the Negotiator

That wonderful summer of 1976. John and I had got jobs as deckchair attendants on Brighton Beach. John had been living in college hostels - 6 gorgeous Georgian houses  - overlooking Marine Parade. He had befriended the lecturer - Mr Brooks - who was also the warden. About 100 residents returned home for the summer. 

Not John - who remained living in luxury in his penthouse room on the top floor with views from the Palace Pier to Brighton Marina. What Mr Brooks thought about John frying fresh mackerel nearly every evening can only be imagined! 

John the Navigator

1977. A trip to our friends Chris and Yvonne’s wedding in Cheshire with a college friend who ‘happened’ to have a tiny Fiat 500. A detour to Nottingham to see another college friend - who ‘happened’ to have 3 spare beds! Clubbing - or ‘going to the disco’ as it was called then - which ‘happened’ to be open until 2am.

We were totally wrecked! A late start the next day - we left Nottingham at about 1130.

John was strongly - and I stress the word ‘strongly’ - of the view that 2 hours would easily get us the 100 miles to the 2 o’clock wedding. No Google Maps in those days…

Over 3 hours later - and after two dozen 1 in 3 hills through the Peak District in a tiny, heavily overloaded car - we arrived. Just in time to see Yvonne and Chris coming down the aisle. On their way out of the church!