I was sorry to learn of the recent death aged 88, of John Davies, which took place on April 25th.  John was a distinguished member of the local community, a Labour Councillor and a former chair of Brislington East Labour Party which is where I met him.  He was very kind and encouraging to me and some years ago, being about to retire from the bench himself, urged me to apply to become a magistrate. Unfortunately, I was then past the age of sixty, and as throughout my life I have been a late starter, I was already too old.

Davies Drive, off Robertson Road, which leads to the tranquillity of the Avon water was named after him. John is survived by his widow, Catherine, two daughters, five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

I am afraid that as one reaches the Biblical yardstick of threescore years and ten news of the departures of friends and acquaintances becomes ever more frequent.