I met Neil way back in 1975 when I was 15 and he was about 17 . We both attended Brinsbury Agricultural college on Day Release from School. We used to be serial table tennis players at break times and became friends I happened to get farm jobs when I left school firstly in Fittleworth and then Adversane and we continued our friendship further and shared some great times in our teens. I remember the great music ( Saturday Night Fever, Queen and others of the time)we listened to in his suked up mini and then his VW polo as we attended Young farmers events and a youth group in Henfield. We used to see how fast we could take off in his mini over the humped back bridge just outside of Billingshurst on the way to coolham. He once borrowed his dads car and we ended up in a hedge, never for his dad to thankfully find out. We were all scared of his dad. Eventually, he went to Berkshire Agric College and I went to another and we started to lose touch a bit. I remember meeting up again at the farm after Sheila and he were married and the kids were young as by then I was abroad so not able to visit much, but when we met it was just so easy to catch up. Over the years we have kept in touch and Neil never changed one bit. Always interested in what everyone was doing. Always had that very intelligent dry wit which I loved. He was very funny in a very dry way. He was a kind man, a family man and an honest man. Even to the last he was a gracious appreciative person. He loved Sheila and his whole family and friends so much, always talking about them with such fondness and appreciation. I was so sad I didn't manage to make it back to the UK to visit as we had planned during the past year. However, I will never forget my distant friend. Im so sorry you didn't quite make it buddy, but what you left us is such nice memories. RIP my friend from one of your many mates- Russell

…an afternoon at the club, playing in the Sally Carrott tournament…Neil was my doubles partner two or three years ago. He was a most gracious, friendly and kind man, encouraging a new player with a ready smile, putting everyone at their ease with his good humour and quick wit. How thoughtfully he remembered the conversation we had about our grandchildren when we met again in July this year at the club and as poorly as he was, he still showed an interest and was smiling as we talked. He was a special person who touched many hearts in different ways and I shall remember him with respect and appreciation for his thoughtfulness on the two occasions I have had the pleasure of meeting him. May he rest in peace.

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