I found these pictures today, having wondered if they were anywhere near at hand.  They're from a lovely family party on a hot summer's day - might have been my 50th birthday - some time ago - ahem!  For me this speaks volumes about Terry.  He was happy to come along with Margaret and just join in the mayhem.  Happy to talk with my dad who was probably chuntering away about the state of the world today in Cheshire and how Liverpool isn't what it used to be... and yes, happy to succumb to some game about having to wear hats and shoes  passing around the circle... (I like Margaret's style with the umbrella!)

When I was a volunteer in Cheshire Probation and After Care services in the late 70s, I used to read articles by Terry Bamford and he was my inspiration for wanting to be a social worker. I  was drawn to his passion and commitment to social justice; support and enablement for people who otherwise were not going to fair well in a harsh world.  I wanted to join him in making that happen.

I was a bit overwhelmed when I found myself working alongside Mrs B in West Sussex Social Services many years later and got to have the privilege of also calling TB a friend.  His status and the high esteem in which he has always been held never changed him - he was always just a lovely human being who could stride on a stage to speak to hundreds of people or just chat to one, with all that attention care and humanity on show.  

Terry's death leaves such a yawning gap which will be filled with grief for everyone who knew and loved him. 

with much love to Margaret and family

Barbara & John