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This month Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans joins 100 of his colleagues to watch England in the World Cup at Number 10 and pays tribute to his brother Barrie
My brother Barrie passed away a few weeks ago at the age of 70 after a short illness. He was a young 70 too, and he was involved in the music industry all his adult life working with the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, Chris de Burgh and Katherine Jenkins. He travelled the world and enjoyed life.
I remember him telling me about a certain piece of equipment that Frank Sinatra needed to perform at the London Palladium and which he was able to hire, but only if he accompanied it, so he was able to watch the great man from the wings. I found one of Sinatra’s scores amongst Barrie’s possessions and this story immediately came to mind!
He loved the Ribble Valley and I will miss him deeply. Cancer is such an awful grim condition and my thoughts go to anyone who has lost a friend or loved one to cancer at this time, including the Sumner family from Pendleton.
My congratulations to Louise Porter from Ribblesdale School who won a teaching award this month, which was presented at Parliament. Her enthusiasm for teaching shone through and it is wonderful when talent is recognised in this way.
I celebrated Dorothy Cosgrove’s big 75 at Greendales Tea Rooms near Downham. The weather was brilliant, as was the day and the Valley appeared to celebrate along with us and Dorothy sparkled more than anyone that day.
I watched England go out of the world cup at Number 10 with about 100 of my colleagues. The PM was at Nato but kindly offered her residence to us for the night. My expectations rode high but sadly it wasn’t to be – but my heartiest congratulations to Gareth Southgate and the lads who did us all proud.
The sun continued to shine on the Beat-Herder festival on the A59 not far from Sawley. My niece played Blue Grass music with the Orange Circus Band and they were brilliant! They even performed impromptu outside the Swan With Two Necks in my village the night before.
There were thousands at the festival and ages ranged from around 15 to me! But what an amazing weekend and congratulations to the organisers for having such an amazing musical event right on our doorstep. A huge number of people threw themselves into the spirit and wore fancy dress.
My brother would have been proud to have seen such a great musical weekend, and whilst I miss him dearly, I know that he stood alongside me, smiled and tapped his feet to the great musical talent on show – after all this was his life. But as they say, the show must go on.
God bless you my brother.
