Thursday 25th June, 2020
Barnsy had a great send off yesterday and around 100 people walked his final journey behind the funeral car from his house, to the beautiful eleventh century St Nicholas Church in Oddington. He was laid to rest with his wife Dorothy in a wonderful service conducted by Reverend Richard Rendall.
The Reverend Rendall used to ride out for us here at Adlestrop and rode so well, we christened him ‘Hands Of God’.
Due to government guidelines, only a few were allowed into the grave yard for the service, but others were able to view the ceremony from outside and with the sun shining, in one of the most beautiful settings in the Cotswolds, it was a fitting way for many of his friends to say goodbye.
A few years ago, he asked me if I would do his eulogy when it came to the day but it was not possible to do so in the circumstances. However I read a poem that Barnsy had kept in a drawer. It’s title is ‘Oddington’ and was written by Anthony Digweed.
Afterwards, thanks to The Fox in Lower Oddington, take away drinks were served on the road outside the pub where he entertained so many. Attached is a photo of what was written on the bar which sums up everything about him.
Goodbye to our unforgettable friend, ‘Mister B.’
Oddington
Clinging quietly to a hillside
A mile or two from Stow
Slumbers the Cotswolds’ hidden jewel
Where the tourists seldom go
Yet it’s been there since Domesday
Watching centuries roll on
And travellers have passed it by
Barely saw it, and were gone
But for those few who linger
And know its leafy grace
They are rewarded with the knowledge
That there is no lovelier place
The solid and dependable
Houses of golden stone
Stand dignified and undaunted
As they have always done
And any casual visitor
Who stays awhile to roam
May find the stone memorial
To boys who ne’er came home
Come to stay in Oddington
Experience its charm
Feel the relaxation
Know the pastoral calm
Watch the busy world float by
The peaceful fields and trees
And hear the history of centuries
Whispered on the breeze
This is God’s own country
Far flung from any crowd
Oddington stands silent
And dignified and proud.
ANTHONY DIGWEED