Richard Burgess - A Valediction

A larger than life character known for his extensive, detailed story telling. Born January 22nd 1948 in Barnstaple to Winnie and Frederick Burgess, brother to Eve.

Lived in Barnstaple for the majority of his life before moving to Westward Ho! to live with Penny, famously added the Ho! Ho! to the Westward Ho! sign at Christmas, a popular local festive tradition that got him into the local papers.

Enjoyed getting away regularly with son Kris who he was very proud of and spent many weekends away doing many different things.

Married Penny in 2010 after being life-long friends and a couple since 1999, they travelled far and wide to railways and steam rallies making many friends along the way.

Left school (Barnstaple Boys Secondary School) in 1964 and joined the South West Electricity Board (SWEB) as an apprentice and worked there for most of his career. His only other employment was driving at home and abroad for Streets Coaches, a much enjoyed part of his life where he saw the many sights of Europe and consequently told many stories of his travels.

He also acted as a “roadie” for the Silver Dollar Disco around the Devon area.

A Rock Park Swimming Bath regular in his younger days and a member of the Crazy Diving Team, being famously thrown of the top board by arms and legs dressed as a pantomime dame!

Close Friends:
Rich had many lifelong close friends, none more so than Lifeboat man and shipwright Brian Williams, his closest friend and his best man. Richard would go out on the boat with Brian and once pushed Brian overboard and then dived 8ft in the air after him.

Motorcycling:
Learned to ride on a Triumph Tiger Cub before moving on to a Triumph Tiger 100, a keen rider and Barnstaple and District Motorcycle Club member in his younger days where he first met life long friend Brian Williams, doing bike runs and trips before moving onto four wheels where he would stay for the rest of his life.

Gliding:
Richard took to the skies in a glider, passing the test to become a fully qualified glider pilot - able to fly on his own.  Briefly owning a share of a glider.

Motor Racing:
Mechanic for local favourites, stock car racers Steve Street, Tiny Sanders and banger and hot rod racer Terry Sexton. Even had a go himself in a mechanics race - just the once!

Steam Rallies:
A regular on the steam rally scene, Richard attended 22 Great Dorset Steam Fairs in many different ways, at first it was as a visitor but then became part of the locally based bungee jumping crew, eventually he would take the jump himself dressed as a red devil!

He then became an exhibitor in the model section with a cross section working example of Walshaerts valve gear, a popular and informative display which also updated news of the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway progress.

Of the 22 years spent at the Great Dorset Steam Fairs, 11 were with Penny, including their honeymoon in 2010. It was the highlight of the year for both of them, the Saturday midnight whistling at the Showmans Engine line-up being their favourite moment of the week.

Well known for cooking a full fried breakfast - but only when in the caravan and away at events.

Due to the increasing strain of the cancer, 2011 would be the last year that they would attend.

Miniature Railways:
A member of the 7 1/4" society with son Kris, visiting many railways countrywide but found a regular home at the South Devon Miniature Railway where his own Electric tram "Toby" which he built himself and steam loco "Lew" spent most of their time being driven by both Richard and Kris.

He would also regularly visit friends in Cornwall with a private railway who he helped construct and wire a scale railway bridge, a feat that took a great amount of planning and teamwork between close friends.

Lynton & Barnstaple Railway:
A member since the early 90's he helped build and maintain the Lynbarn Railway at the Milky Way (a Theme Park near Clovelly) alongside other L&B volunteers many of which would become firm friends. Their aim was to raise enough money to buy Woody Bay Station of the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway – closed in 1935

Once purchased, the volunteers then turned their attention to bringing the beautiful station back to life "Perchance it is not dead but sleepeth"

Richard played a major role by bringing electricity to the isolated station house, and later finished wiring the station building itself before moving on to the loco shed.

He also helped relay the first piece of track into the station and then down to Bridge 67.

It was in 2006 that he was diagnosed with cancer which immediately reduced the input that he could volunteer, but none the less received the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway, Distinguished Service Award –usually given to railway officers of long standing Richard was the first volunteer to receive this. His proudest moment of his L&B years.

However, he did not let the cancer prevent him entirely - one year he was Father Christmas during the Santa Specials event taking great pleasure immersing himself in managing small quiet jobs

An "Axe" nameplate was auctioned at the 2011 AGM, to raise money for the railway: Richard raised his hand to get people bidding - but no other hands were raised and he won the auction by default paying just £50.00 - much to the amusement of friends and family.

The Last Word:
Any friend of Richard would know that he would always have the last word – well here are his to you:

“Best wishes to everyone and enjoy life whilst you have it, much love to you all” Rich