I know most people know him as Tony, but in the family he was always known as Anthony, or Our Anthony as Mum used to say. He was the eldest of six siblings: Kathleen, Philip, Simon, Gregory (now in New Zealand) and Helen.

He was always making things: a go kart from pram wheels, airfix models and getting us all to bend wire coathangers to make the Blue Peter Advent candle wreath! 
We were all involved in scouting as cubs, scouts, brownies and guides, but it was a real passion for Anthony. He gained the Queen’s scout award which was the highest accolade you could achieve. 
He was an avid runner and ran with Westbury Harriers. He held the school 1500 metres record until I brought my boyfriend, Dave home. “You broke my record for the 1500 !” was the first thing he said to him. Thankfully, he didn’t hold a grudge as I went on to marry Dave.

We didn’t have many family holidays as my parents came from Stoke-on-Trent, so we often went there. One holiday was spent on a farm in Brean. Apparently, if you open the stable door, the horses do bolt!!

He had a scooter at one point and wanted a motor bike ( so glad that he bought one later and enjoyed many happy memories riding with his friends) Mum and Dad were not keen so he bought a sports car instead! As a young man driving a red sports car, he was often stopped by the police, so he gave it up for an old man’s car instead!

He took his eldest son duties seriously. On Mum and Dad’s 40th wedding Anniversary, we clubbed together to buy them a holiday to Spain. Unfortunately, the local company went bust. Anthony took himself to their offices and sat there until he got our money back! He also got Mum and Dad’s deposit back when a persistent and intimidating double glazing salesmen wouldn’t leave their house without some money. Mum was mortified that they had been coerced by this man and was obviously very grateful to Our Anthony!

I will always remember as the life and soul of the party and as our big brother. RIP