We also knew Andrew as a collector, primarily of records where his collection built up over decades and is measured in thousands of albums.  

Andrew was a past chair and member Banbury Cross Round Table, most of our group were members of the other Banbury Round Table but our paths often crossed at joint events and this is how Andrew ended up joining the “Banbury boys walking weekend.”
The walking weekends were usually held at end of February or the beginning of March and often coincided with the 6 Nations Rugby Union competition. This provided a regular post walk Saturday afternoon entertainment and huge enjoyment for Andrew.

The walking weekends mostly alternated between South Wales and the Peak District which was Andrews particular favourite. The walking, the conversation, the food and drink and the inevitable banter was the just the tonic we all needed, and Andrew always participated fully, managing to beat us all in a pudding eating contest by a full extra helping, leading to the nickname 2 puds a badge he wore with pride.

Fortunately, each walking weekend required meticulous planning and gave us the opportunity to meet again in November and enjoy a curry and a long evening catching up, recounting walking and even cycling over Pen Y fan with Andrew proving he could not only tackle the hills like a Tyrolean goat but be king of the hills to

Walking over such a long time (this year was our 21st year) gave us all the chance to hear about the year that had just passed and understand more about Andrews work calculating values and returns ahead of leasing DAF trucks while he worked at Paccar. He recounted that to prepare for the job he arranged to meet the MD at an exhibition to find out more about the company before his interview. It was clear that his experience of over 30 years was a huge asset to the business and reflected his attention to detail and foresight in forecasting values years in advance

As Andrew became ill we spent more time with him at home and went with him on a trip to hunt down further rare records, where his sharp eyes and experience picked out items that others may have passed by. His skill was that he bought on rarity knowing for example that an early Elton John featured as a session singer on a K-tell record of covers and it this exceptional encyclopaedic knowledge that makes his collection so special.

One of his favourite tracks feature a well-known song that we know as Frank Sinatra ‘Fly me to the Moon’ however Andrew knew and liked the original sung in 1954 by Kaye Ballard when it was called ‘in other words’ just one example of knowing rarity and originality.

Andrew was diligent, caring, interested in others, and in the end strong, uncomplaining and it is a pleasure to call him our friend.

We will miss you Andrew.

Rob

Neil

John

Kevin

Paul

Steve

Joe