Tower and Town, August 2021 (view the full edition)Family NewsHelen Pullen ( nee Rowlands), known as Nel, was the much - loved wife of Jeff, mum of Arran, daughter of David and Gerry, sister of Vicki and Dunc, and friend of many others. She was warm, caring and fun, "with a smile that could light up a room" and lived in Marlborough all her life. She died far too young, at 45, in GWH after a short illness, and will be greatly missed. May she rest in peace. Ian J Perryman writes: Just as the 10.30 Sunday morning service at St. Mary's Church on 13th June 2021 commenced, Bryan Castle died at his home in Town Mill Marlborough, aged 83. With him were Daniel and Joe, his two sons, Hilary his carer, and Henry Pearson who had given him the last rites. It was as if he wished to pass on at the moment when his beloved church, an institution where he was a committed Christian and ardent bell ringer, was about to pray for him. Bryan was a former Mayor and town councillor. Some of you will have noticed the flag at half-mast above the Town Hall, a sign of respect and thanks for loyal service to his fellow townsfolk. I knew him for 41 years as a singular character and friend, and shared many activities with him in the course of my life. He introduced me to the Rose of Hungerford trip boat on the Kennet & Avon Canal as crew in the 1980s. I progressed to skippering it, and later joining him in a similar role within the Bruce Trust, running hire boats for the disabled and elderly. He was also chairman of this area's Christian Aid Committee, working tirelessly in that capacity until his demise. He was widowed 14 years ago when another Hilary, his wife, sadly died after a devoted happy life. Hanging on the wall of my office is a large canal painting from him, a memento of the many happy canal holidays Bryan, other friends and myself spent travelling all over England's beautiful network of waterways. May he rest in peace, and rise in glory. Ian McNeill Penfold was born in North London and lived in Totteridge. He went to Highgate School aged 8 and this is where his love of choral music began. He was in the school choir together with three pupils who were to become prominent professional musicians; John Rutter, John Taverner and Howard Shelley. Ian also sang in the Totteridge Church of England choir. Megan joined the choir after being widowed and Ian and Megan married in 1984. They had 37 happy years together before his sudden death on 23rd May this year. The music played at his funeral was composed by John Rutter and included the anthem, 'The Lord Bless you and Keep You', which was written for the memorial of the Music Master at Highgate School. Whilst in Marlborough, Ian enjoyed singing in the Jubilate Choir and also visiting the Edington Music Festival, where outstanding choral music is performed within the Liturgy. He and Megan created a beautiful garden in Manton where they lived for 19 years. During most of this time, he was treasurer of Preshute Church before they relocated to Edgbaston to be near one of their daughters. Michael Yates moved to Marlborough from his country idyll in Winterbourne Bassett in 2009, soon after his wife Jill died. He had retired long ago from medicine where he had been a gynaecologist obstetrician at the Great Western and Savernake hospitals locally. Because of this, he already knew many people. He lived in Castle Court as, in his own words, he could "lock and leave it" whenever he felt like it. In actual fact he loved the town and became a part of the community. He enjoyed history and despite being nearly 80, did guiding at the Merchants House, relishing the company of showing people around. He formed many friends there. He joined the local theatre club and another passion was golf. He also supported every event possible at the Marlborough Literary festival often bringing his family too. Theatre, music and drama were always central to his life and every year he would be off to any jazz festival he could find, both locally and in Cheltenham. He loved visiting the local pubs and cafes for endless coffee and chats with the locals. As he approached his late 80s he could be seen constantly on his scooter meandering up the pavement to his next social event. He was very happy at Castle Court and made many friends amongst the residents. His family was very important to him; he had 3 daughters living within an hour of him and a son in Brussels. Family occasions were sacrosanct and usually the family would congregate at The Marlborough along with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Michael will be very much missed by all who knew him. Jessy Pomfret |