Rhubarb 2020

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at Mitsubishi Motors in 1983 where he was Regional Sales Manager. When I arrived at Adderley Park, I was amazed to find that he was also an apprentice, albeit some two years ahead of me. At the time, Bob owned an old Riley Nine Monaco, with an alloy body, a none-too-reliable engine and an exhaust system that was likely to give way at any moment. However, as we both lived in the general Oxford area, we travelled to and from Service Department, firstly at Longbridge and then at Cowley, and I ran into Bob again there as he was in BMC Export Service. Later, he transferred to our department. We were not colleagues for long as I left to join another company. Much later, whilst I was working for the Road Transport Industry Training Board, I was visiting a Mitsubishi dealer in Wellington, Somerset, where I was dealing with some training claim matters for their service manager, when, walking across the forecourt, I saw the unmistakeable figure of Bob. Working for Mitsubishi, he was visiting the dealer principal. Birmingham at weekends, sharing the cost of fuel. Somehow, we always managed to make the trip, usually intact. Eventually, when my apprenticeship ended, I transferred to BMC Fleet

BUDGEN, ANTHONY (1938-2019) On 22nd February 2019, Anthony George Budgen (B, 1952-1956). Brother of Nicholas (B, 1951-1956). BMC and British Leyland from apprentice to Sales Director 1956-78. Formed Budgen Motors, Shrewsbury 1978 sold out 1989. Chairman Partco Motor Factors and Director Western Motor Holdings 1981. MACFARLANE, ROBERT (1938-2019) On 2nd September 2019, Robert Grey MacFarlane (D, 1952-1956). The below was kindly provided by his friend David Pusey (G, 1953-1958). I was saddened to hear through an ex-colleague of the passing of Bob MacFarlane. Bob and I shared several things: we were both at St Edward’s School, although in different Houses; we were both apprentices at Morris Commercial Cars Ltd; we both lived in the Oxford area, he in Witney and I in Abingdon at the time; and we both finished up in BMC Fleet Service at Cowley. Bob worked for BMC from 1961 to 1967, moving on to Volkswagen UK from 1967 to 1970, then back to BMC Unipart from 1970 to 1982, before joining another ex- Morris Commercial colleague

and frequently offered cocktails to visitors, quite regardless of the time of day – and very well- mixed they were too! In the past four years, Hugh’s health deteriorated rapidly and he spent short spells in hospital, ultimately having to have carers in to assist. Sadly, his walking and theatre days were over and his world, as he saw it, had caved in around him. It will come as no surprise to readers to know that his estate stipulated an equal three- way split of his assets between St Edward’s School, Selwyn College and English National Opera. Beloved father of Dominic (G, 1986-1989) and Patrick. He will be sorely missed. 1st XV, Hockey, Athletics, Boxing, Swimming. Royal Marines 1956-58 2nd Lieutenant. Sales Manager English China Clays 1960-70. Partner Christopher Morgan Marketing & PR 1972-85. Director Wines from Spain 1985-93. Member Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino. Queen’s Club Member. British Bobsleigh Team World Championships 1969-71. BARTLEET, ANTHONY (1938-2019) On 16th March 2019, Anthony Peter Bartleet (E, 1951-1956). Brother of John (E, 1941-1945) and David (E, 1943-1947). He was House Prefect at Apsley, in the 1st VIII, a member of the Choir, and Sergeant in the CCF. Born in Ware, Herts 1938, he married Ann Erskin-Murray in July 1965 and from 2003, during the latter part of his life, he lived in Colchester, Essex. BALLS, DAVID (1938-2020) On 8th June 2020, David Lawrence Edgar Balls (D, 1952-1956).

for American Airlines for the next 25 years. They must have paid moderately well as he later bought a Gull Wing Mercedes. The real bonus was an annual round the world free ticket! While in the USA, Hugh also tried off-road motorcycling leading to a major accident in which he sustained a severe ankle injury. This healed poorly, ruling out golf and long walks, as well as causing occasional discomfort throughout his later life. In later years, Hugh’s mother became quite frail, so Hugh retired from his work in the USA and returned to England to look after her until she died in 1989, after spending time in several care homes. Having returned to England, Hugh settled into a bachelor lifestyle and busied himself with many and varied pursuits, becoming an exceptional international traveller. Every year he would join group visits to a vast range of countries, to experience and absorb the local culture and feed his insatiable interest in ancient architecture and the lives of indigenous populations. Between 1992 and 2010, he visited over 90 countries in Africa, South America, the Middle and Far East as well as Europe. Some of these trips took up to 10 weeks and his neighbours were astonished that he would travel with only a small case and rucksack! Back home, Hugh was extremely fond of walking and regularly completed some of the London Green Chain walks. He spent a lot of time in London, usually in pursuit of different eating establishments or visiting museums and galleries. He enjoyed the world of theatre, especially opera and became a devotee of yoga, having attended a month-long yoga course in Bombay. He attended a course on making cocktails at Claridge’s Hotel

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Robert MacFarlane.

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