Tom arrived in Burnham in the autumn of 1982 to take up the post of branch manager at the Midland (later HSBC) Bank in College Street.
He commuted weekly for a while, staying in the Dunstan House Hotel. In his role in Burnham and for a few years working out of Clevedon branch, he supported many local businesses including start-ups.
Several of his customers have commented on his approachability (not historically a word often applied to a bank manager!). On retiring from the bank Tom worked in bookkeeping and bursar roles, notably for Sidcot and St Christopher’s (Burnham) schools – we have been told that he was a caring and supportive colleague.
On arrival in the town, Tom and family joined the Avenue Lawn Tennis Club as playing and social members; and latterly Tom attended the clubhouse every week looking after the Bridge Club’s funds as well as playing a decent game.
He took golf lessons at Burnham and Berrow and enjoyed a social but high-scoring round of golf well into his seventies.
Tom liked to be involved and use his skills; often he accepted the responsibility of a treasurer role and he was involved in several charities; most notably the Burnham Medical Equipment Fund.
Margaret and family would like to express their appreciation of Neighbourhood Care (agency based in Victoria St) and the NHS District Nursing team; many people were involved in ensuring that Tom could die in comfort in his home, looking out on his favourite part of the garden.
Margaret’s life was saved by the Great Western Air Ambulance service in 2019 and Tom was keen that any in-memory donations (no flowers please) be made to one of the two Helicopter charities which operate in this area; please notify Ashley Edwards funeral director or the family if you have made a donation.
The service at Sedgemoor Crematorium, on Friday 15th November at 1pm, will be streamed to view in real time or on demand; please contact caroline@saturn-sales.co.uk if you would like the link for this.
There is no restriction on attendance in person and those who would like to pay their respects in person in Burnham may do so by popping into the Dunstan from 2.30pm.