We first met Bert when he volunteered to stand as an Independent candidate for Horringer, Westley & The Saxhams in the local council election, running against the Tory candidate. This candidate was so confident of an easy victory he didn’t bother to do much campaigning – but Bert did.  He had a small but determined (and very cheap) campaign team behind him; literally behind him - nobody was able to keep up with him as he raced around the three villages, posting through letterboxes and knocking on doors!  He was indefatigable.  And against the odds, and emphatically, he won!  We were so proud to have been a part of Bert’s success – he went on to be both the voice of reason and, occasionally, a thorn in the flesh of a complacent local council.  And from those auspicious beginnings, a lasting friendship was born.  

We will always remember Bert as he was before this horrible disease took him from his family and friends: a wonderful friend, funny, generous, an intelligent man who loved his sodoku puzzles, who had a lively interest in affairs local and international - and possessed the ability to fall asleep pretty much anywhere.

Rest in peace, Bert, we are privileged to have been a part of your life.  The world is a poorer place without you in it.