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BILL SMART (2nd Nov. 2004) REMEMBRANCES by BOB STONE
Where does one begin, in an attempt to sum up the life of a man, who many looked upon as the epitome of Swavesey?
If, when faced with a seemingly impossible job, the same sort of question had been put to Bill, he with his devastatingly simplistic, dogmatic yet pragmatic approach would have snapped back "Well you have to start, at the beginning of the job, don't you?"
(Childhood)
So! Bill was born in The Red House, 17 Station Road, Swavesey in 1937 then, two years later, the family moved across the road to Number 10. He was lucky enough to have had a slightly older sister, Anne, with whom he was to develop a deep, loving and enduring relationship. He was simply, Anne's best friend, utterly dependable, always there to help and provide a shoulder to cry on when needed. Or, indeed to share a laugh with, and knowing Bill there would have been many of those. It was a brother and sister relationship that could only have been ordained in heaven. In fact, to Bill, living in Swavesey was very much like heaven. He used to describe Swavesey as the "Centre of the Universe" However he often talked about Beryl as his other, though unofficial, sister and they also had many good times together.
(Special memories)
He was immensely proud of his family and his Mum & Dad. On each occasion that we entered the Three Tuns Public House in FenDrayton, he would point out his Mother on the old photograph displayed in the Public Bar. And he was ever reminiscing about the idyllic childhood he and Anne had with their parents.
(Tributes from the family)
There are four sons, two daughters and six Grand children in Bill & Jenny's family, and they wish to share with us their special memories of Bill:
Edward: who lives in Fenstanton,
remembers clearly the look in Bills eyes when he held his newborn Grandson and Granddaughter, and also later as he watched William Jr. play football and Hannah ride her pony at the Royal Show. He will never forget Bill's courage in looking his illness straight in the face.
Claire: who lives in Over,
especially remembers him for his advice and support in every way. He was always there when she needed him and this resulted in a very close relationship with his Grandson, Matthew. Matthew has said that Bill was the best Grandad Ever and he will miss him forever.
Kirstie: (Or Kirps as Bill used to call her) Lives in Swavesey,
and she will always remember the very close relationship she had with Bill. He was not just a father figure, he was her friend, with a cheeky smile and a twinkle in his eye. He would make sandwiches in the shape of their initials. He offered advice and support without ever judging or dictating. Just a squeeze of the hand and a kind word.
Mark: who lives in Over,
remembers Bill as a Hard worker; If he said he would do something, it would be done, in double quick time, whether you liked it or not! He especially remembers one of Bill's risqué jokes when he secretly videod Mark relieving himself against the walls of Caernarfon Castle!
Gareth: who also lives in Over,
has always loved, respected and looked up to Bill, as the most hard working and selflessly loving man he has ever known.
Iain: Well, he will be speaking for himself later.
Steven: who is a nephew of Bill's,
has memories of Bill in the winter of 1963, towing him on a sledge he built behind his Motor Bike. Then having to dig him out of a snowdrift, after he had been flung at speed, into it. He also notes that working with his Uncle was never a chore, it was a pleasure and an education. Full of Humour, wit and charm.
All the family have fond memories of the things Bill used to say, such as;
"Never say never!"
"Not many people knew that!"
"Tea, with just a splash of milk."
"Stop sniffing and blow your nose."
They remember the things he used to insist on such as;
Guests must always leave the house, by the door they came in by.
Borrow anything but bring it back please.
There were also the 'Things he liked'
Bill hated school dinners but loved Baked Beans. So he used to buy a tin of beans with his school dinner money and eat them at home. It was years before his mother realised what was going on.
He loved Ginger, and McDonalds; well this became legendary, on The Royal British Legion outings we had to salute every McDonalds we passed in the coach!
He put together, virtually a complete collection of Dads Army tapes and could quote, word for word, most of Captain Mannering's utterances.
He strongly supported Tottenham Hotspurs
Liked Boxing; especially Prince Naseem.
And liked fast eating. He could demolish a whole meal, in an unbelievably short time.
He disliked;
"Airs and Graces" Well, at least until he got a taste for it, when he moved from being an apprentice joiner and cabinet maker at Primes in Cambridge, to work for Bolton and Paul as a sales representative. Roy Smart recalls that in this job Bill excelled, so much so that the Boss said to him one day, "OK Bill get into the car there is a tricky job I want you to see", Bill got in and off they went. They were making good time so the Boss said let's stop for a cup of tea. They drew up at a Roadside cafe, but when they got in there was a tremendous queue. Bill said "We'll never get served in time." but the Boss said "Just stand there looking like a Lord with your briefcase under your arm" The Boss told the cafe manager that his Lordship had an urgent meeting to get to. Bill played the part of a Lord so effectively, that they were immediately assisted into seats at a table for two, served tea and buns then, having complemented the cafe owner, were on their way in a few minutes.
There was at least one other occasion when he forgot his dislike of 'airs and graces' and that was when he bought his Gold coloured Mercedes, not long ago! He loved that car! Jenny has been heard to say, jokingly, he loves that car more than he loves me!
Bill disliked Tony Blair, Arsenal, Weak Tea and Dishonest People.
(Special interests)
He had a special interest in athletics and when the Call-up for National Service forced him to leave his beloved Swavesey, his running ability stood him in good stead.
He joined the Army, was posted to Germany and spent most of his time competing in athletics events.
I never really did understand just why his running shoes were deposited in the waste bin at the Munich Stadium, all those years ago. But he asked me to look for them when I was there the other year.
He really should have joined the Royal Air Force, as his interest and detailed knowledge of aircraft was quite breathtaking. He knew where they were developed, how they were constructed, what they were designed to do, where they operated from and where they were now based. If asked, I am sure he could have told you how many nuts and bolts were needed for each aircraft, and what size they needed to be.
He had a phenomenal memory for facts and minute detail. At a museum he would read every word describing an item on display and recall it all months later. He often said, "My mind is full of useless information and nothing of any use to me."
(Max Miller)
Who could forget when Bill appeared in that shocking Yellow jacket to give a masterly and hilarious imitation of Max miller; first at the TRBL event in the Memorial Hall and then at Bill and Jenny's 18th Wedding Anniversary?
Unlike most of us Bill also had an incredible memory for rhymes and ditties. His Max Miller rendering of "Mary had a little lamb............" had everyone in fits of laughter.
It is perhaps fortunate that my memory does not allow me to finish the poem!
(Unusual things he did)
One year when I was organising the Father Christmas and Carols in the Market Street, I said to Bill, what I would really like to happen is for Father Christmas to appear, actually next to a chimney. Well, typical of Bill, a Father Christmas has appeared next to a chimney ever since that year. He had the ability to create absolutely anything from old flush doors! They ranged from a Medieval Castle, a high class Drinks Bar, a CloakRoom, Minstrel's Gallery and Big Ben, to name but a few. If ever I am lucky enough to see the Gates of Heaven, it will not surprise me to discover they are made out of Flush doors!
In 1953 Bill moved into the family home at 28 Black Horse Lane. He then left to do his National Service, and two years later returned to Black Horse Lane. At various times he built numbers 17,19 & 23 Black Horse Lane, in his spare time! He and Colin Pearson started to build two houses together, but a financial slump forced Bill to give up on his house. It was a measure of the man, that he still carried on to help Colin complete his home. He lived for a short time in Chapman's Way, Over but couldn't get back to Black Horse Lane, Swavesey quickly enough.
For a while he lived with Jenny in one of the College Houses in Gibraltar Lane and set about building a house, straddling a bungalow, number 35 Black Horse Lane, where he and Jenny eventually lived, before moving to 83 Moat Way. They had exciting times in Moat Way, transforming a field into a garden and establishing Bill's work base.
Bill was very romantic and was besotted with Jenny. How many husbands here today can say they drive around with their wife's photograph stuck to the dashboard of their car? One year Bill forgot St Valentines Day, but for a whole year after that, on the 14th of each month, he presented Jenny with a Red Rose.
One of the best things that happened to Bill was being made Redundant from Bolton and Paul, a few years ago. Sitting in his kitchen with him I could see that he was very worried and depressed. However, I had a big job that needed doing on the front of my house, he took that on and made an excellent job of it and I said "Bill, with your skills and energy you will never be short of work." From then on he seemed to prosper, was in great demand and thoroughly enjoyed working for himself.
If you have ever worked with Bill you will know that he was worth Three Good Men, overcame all problems that arose and was always ready to go that extra mile if needed. But you would have been wise to give him plenty of room. Once a piece of timber needed moving from A to B it would do so, whether you were in the way or not. When tackling a task, he could be dictatorial, dogmatic and thoroughly rude at times. Just like me! He used to tell people that only Bob Long could anticipate the next tool he would require at the time it was needed. But the job was always completed at the double, followed by a few jokes and everyone was happy with the outcome. 'A few jokes' doesn't do him justice, he had a joke for every occasion.
(Social Activities)
Bill used to design and build the scenery for the local Review and Drama Society (RADSOC), and who could forget, in the production of 'Jesus Christ Super Star', the way the Cross with Jesus fixed to it, rose slowly and majestically from the horizontal to the vertical position? Those Strong hands of Bills; formidable when wielding a sledgehammer; could also be gentle and precise with a paintbrush. His paintings and drawings displayed a natural artistic ability. Anyone who attended the St George dinners and dances we arranged in the Village College will remember the forty-odd, 5ft. Banners, each with an England County Crest, hand painted on material by Bill. I tried to paint one but it was a complete mess.
He was a valued member of the Parochial Church Council, contributing not only his firm views at the meetings but also his many talents and building skills to the wellbeing of the Church and its surroundings. And he loved to watch the early morning sun, shinning through the window above the altar in the Lady Chapel
For a number of years he was also a member of Swavesey Parish Council, before resigning on a matter of principle. He was particularly outspoken in his defence of the individual and the individuals right to decide what should be done with their own property.
(Friendship)
I feel particularly blessed to have had such a long and close friendship with Bill. We did so many things together, so much so, that people often got the 'Bob & Bill' bits mixed up. But it didn't matter, we were just two parts of a whole and I shall greatly miss the other part. Together with our wives we had many good times:
A Trip to the Buckingham Palace to see the Queen's Golden Jubilee exhibition.
Regular Friday night dinners. With Linda & Jodder, and Liz & Colin.
On a whim, we dashed down to London to take part in the Jubilee Pop Occasion in the Mall, with the floodlit Palace and a million other people. Yet we managed to get a place right next to the Palace Gates.
A few weeks ago we were at the Albert Hall, to record two 'Songs of Praise' TV Programmes, including a Christmas edition.
We had a holiday in Norway together. With thunder, rain and lightening it could have been a complete washout, but things never seemed that bad with Bill around.
We attended a Classical Spectacular Concert at the Albert Hall, sat in seats on the floor, near to the conductor, waving our patriotic flags and enthusiastically singing Rule Britannia, 'Britain Never, Never, Never shall be Slaves.', into the ears of many other nationalities in front of us!
On the spur of the moment we travelled to Westminster Hall, London. To observe the lying in state of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother and we were in the Westminster Hall just as Big Ben was chiming midnight.
But our greatest partnership was in working together on the Millennium Celebrations. I said to Bill one day "What we need is a Millennium Dome stretching right across the Green and made out of Bunting. But we need a model of it before trying to convince others it is possible." Within a few days the model appeared, his sister Anne made all the bunting and it was a great success. The same thing happened when I said we need a Big Ben in Market Street for the Millennium night. No sooner said, than he and Peter Nuttal had things in hand.
(Ending:)
Bill held his work for The Royal British Legion in the highest esteem, nothing was too much trouble for him. He was the Standard Bearer, Vice Chairman, Membership Secretary, Birthday Card Designer and general inspiration for many of its functions. At a Legion Dinner or Dance, when Bill entered the room there was an immediate air of expectation; something would happen!
It was only fitting that at the end, Swavesey's Golden Boy should have been awarded The Royal British Legion's highest award..... The Gold Badge.
But even that was eclipsed by having his wonderfully attentive wife Jenny, along with his family and devoted friends, such as Liz Kennedy near to him at the end. This was his greatest reward and comfort.
And I know that my Golden Friend, Bill, would have been extremely proud to hear me sum up in the style of his greatest Hero, Winston Churchill.......... "Never, in the history of Swavesey, have so many people owed so much to one man"
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