Obit: Barty (Diana Barton) - 16 July 2006

Subject: Obit: Barty (Diana Barton)
From: GUEST,Bryn Colvin
Date: 19 Jul 06 - 09:43 AM

On Sunday the 16th July, Diana Barton, better known as Barty, passed away at Berkeley Hospital, Gloucestershire. She had been unwell, but her death was sudden and mercifully quick.

Barty was involved with Dursley folk club for many years, along with her daughter Trish. She was also a stalwart at Ironacton folk club for a long time, as well as supporting the festival there, and the Holford arms festival near Tetbury. With her trademark caps and endless good humour, she was always a popular woman, who was blessed with many friends. Barty was a great shanty enthusiast, passionate about tall ships and the sea (she was also very good at drawing said tall ships). Songs I will particularly remember her singing include 'Black Bess', 'Bonny Labouring Boy', 'Heave Away me Johnny', 'When first I landed in Liverpool,' 'The ship in distress', 'Blow the man down' – there are many others.

She was a remarkable woman, politically active, working hard for local causes (she was involved with getting both a community centre and a swimming pool for Dursley) she gave many years of service on the local council, as well as running social events – dances, concerts, all sorts. She was also a very wonderful Granny to myself and my brother. To do full justice to the range and extent of her achievements would take ages. But she was a quiet, modest woman who did not blow her own trumpet. She gave freely of herself.

I for one will miss her a great deal. She was a great support and inspiration to me, and it is hard to imagine what life will be like without her. I admired her stoicism and determination. She taught me so much.

There will be a funeral next week (most likely Friday the 28th) in Dursley. While her family are trying to contact old friends, we may inadvertently miss someone. Everyone who knew Barty and wants to come and celebrate her life would be very welcome to do so. Please contact her daughter Trish for details – 01453 547599.

(Posted by Bryn, Grand-daughter).

Subject: RE: Obit: Barty (Diana Barton) - 16 July 2006
From: GUEST,Bryn (again)
Date: 21 Jul 06 - 08:38 AM

I'm also trying to get in touch with the Spinners, as she was quite good friends with them back in the dim and distant. Any help with this would be very much appreciated.
Bryn.