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Our Oscar |
Keith Beard - a Tribute |
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Crewe and Nantwich Talking Newspaper has received a bequest from Volunteer Keith Beard who died in 2006. We gratefully acknowledge the money which will finance our work. The Honorary President of Crewe and Nantwich Talking Newspaper, Ray Gladden MBE, paid the following tribute to Keith at his funeral.
WHEN good friends go from amongst us, each of us remembers their own "picture". Mine is not one of a frail, stooped old man with speech difficulty, but that of a young energetic man with a zest for life and a love of his fellow men.
I first met Keith as a member of the Crewe and Nantwich Rambling Club in the early 1970s. We both had office jobs and felt the need for fresh air and exercise at the weekends. As 'A'-party walkers, we regularly covered 12 to 15 miles on our fortnightly outings right around the year. Keith was an unassuming chap with varied interests and made a grand companion, for myself and the other club members.
He had a great urge for outdoor activities. These included skiing in continental winter sports resorts, cycling in the Cheshire country lanes and, to the amusement of his neighbours, skipping with a rope to a regular evening routine on his back patio!
At the age of 69 he embarked for 10 days as a trainee deck hand on the Sail Training Association square-rigger 'Malcolm Miller'. He fully enjoyed the rigours of the seafaring experience around the Scottish Islands and the companionship of the young people who sailed with him.
For several years in the '80s and '90s, he was an integral member of a small band of hill walkers who holidayed together at Bala each late summer. His culinary skills were especially prized on these occasions and he was appointed Chief Pastry Chef for the production of his exceptional Bakewell Tarts! As a competent cook and housekeeper, his little dinner parties at his home for his close friends were always thoroughly enjoyed.
When the Talking Newspaper was formed at Crewe in 1977, Keith offered his services as a Reader and Tape Rewinder. It became apparent very soon that Keith had exceptional talent as a Reader. Not only could he use his cultured Lancastrian voice to advantage as a regular reader of weekly news, but also as a contributor of entertaining items. His readings of extracts from ”Wind in the Willows'” and “Cider with Rosie” were especial favourites with the Listeners.
He enjoyed the company of his fellow men and was a regular member of the Probus Club.
He was a considerate friend to many who were less fortunate than him. One blind family in Crewe were particularly indebted to him for his weekly chauffeuring duties and help with their shopping. Another Nantwich lady was helped with shopping and visits to her daughter in Shropshire.
Later, he helped the Talking Newspaper as a House Visitor making regular calls at the homes of elderly blind people.
Keith had a great love of classical music and made many friends among similarly-minded folk in the Recorded Music Society and the Crewe Male Voice Choir. He was often to be found with friends at concerts of the BBC Philharmonic in Hanley, the Halle at Manchester and the Manchester Camerata on their visits to Crewe.
Keith was a generous and sensitive man. One of Nature's Gentlemen. |
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