Memories of John

Judith Hallinan

We first met John, Pat, Clare and Tom when we moved to Belbroughton in 1983.

Clare, and my daughter Claire, became friends at school and through this we also came to know John, Pat and Tom. We have so many happy memories of nights at the pub, dinner parties, picnics in their lovely garden and, after we moved away, of meeting half way for a pub lunch.

If we ever needed advice on a pub to meet up at, the first port of call was always John who had an extensive knowledge of pubs across the UK.

A yearly highlight for us was Henley Regatta when John and Pat would arrive and stay with us. At the end of the day we always had a lovely evening discussing the day’s racing over a good glass, or two, of wine and catching up on any Belbroughton news. A few years ago I joined them at Henley Regatta and we had a wonderful day drinking Pimms and enjoying the racing. On one visit down they were attending the Farnborough Air Show and I, unfortunately, became locked in my bathroom! This was when I realised that DIY was not John’s strong point and it took Pat and a sturdy screwdriver to free me. We had a many a laugh at that incident!

John was a wonderful person and a true Gentleman. He had a very quiet sense of humour but always made us smile and was a fount of knowledge. His service to Belbroughton Village, the Church and to bell ringing will be remembered for many years.

I will miss seeing your lovely smile but will remember the good times we had together.

Judy Hallinan

Sonia & Brian

Lovely memories of times spent together – especially Boxing Day and birthday parties.
You were such a kind and courteous friend and will be sadly missed – especially on ‘jazz nights’!
Our thoughts are with you.
Love – Sonia and Brian

Patti Jauncey

Dear John as you make your final journey to the place of peace that awaits I reflect on the many happy Wednesday night drinks at the Shoes with you and Pat. Roock-n-Roll Nights, New Year Parties and many other times spent with you Pat and your family. My special moments though I think are last Christmas. Lunch spent at you home and you cutting the goose, and in your garden you snoozing in the garden in the summer sunshine.

Safe journey my friend along the universal highway to catch up with family and friends are waiting for you and journeys end.

Pam and Stuart Relton

We moved into Belbroughton on 21st December, 1987 with our two babies and not knowing a soul. Charlie, the butcher, found us a turkey for our Christmas meal and even threw in some bunches of holly to decorate the house with. The first Christmas card we received was from John and Pat with an invitation to their Boxing Day party and there they introduced us to their friends and our neighbours and made us feel instantly at home. John was always such a gracious host and we have many happy memories of dinners and parties in good company, with good food and, always, delicious wine.

Stuart was on the Church Hall Management Committee for a while and would join John for “Evensong” afterwards at the Shoes. John’s diplomatic skills were put to good use when Stuart became the only person ever to be ‘sacked’ from the Committee – I think it was to do with a discussion about who forgot to put something in the Parish Magazine but was probably because Stuart can be very outspoken. Anyway, John was given the task of telling Stuart his contribution was no longer needed and did it in such a way as to convince Stuart that he was so busy with his work, being away from home so much, and then wanting to spend time with the children that the Committee would quite understand if he felt the need to resign.

John was a true gentleman and it seems very much the end of an era with his passing. Thanks for the memories John and rest in peace. Sending much love to Pat, Clare and Tom.

Mary and Andrew Nelson

I have known John for well over forty years and have many happy memories of him. The one that makes me smile the most is when John, Pat, Clare and Tom shared a holiday with our family and Drew in the Ardennes. We went kayaking one day but the weather turned cold and wet and most of us were happy to retire from the event. Not John, his usual dogged determination spurred him on to continue. Andrew Hale volunteered to keep him company and the two of them set off on the final leg of the kayaking course. All was going well until they reached an infamous weir in the river. John’s determination again shone through and he insisted that he and Andrew navigated the weir in a particular way. Unfortunately determination was not enough and the pair of them ended up in the water. As they looked up at the bystanders on the bank they saw their group of family and friends giggling and laughing helplessly at the scene. Despite all it was a splendid holiday.
Rest in true peace John, love to Pat, Clare and Tom from Mary, Andrew, Tom and Dan all of us cherish our memories of John.