There are many colleagues in our professional lives who have an influence on us, but, for me personally, Terry Bamford stands out as someone very special.

Terry will forever personify the very best of BASW. With his instinctive sense of the social work journey, its values and contribution to our society, and, personal portrayal of its efficacy, Terry was a consummate professional ambassador.

Terry brought energy, erudition and eloquence, tempered with a humble empathy for all of us in BASW and further afield. He would face difficult situations in a confident, no-nonsense and reassuring way. His presentations at successive BASW Annual General Meetings and in other arenas were always to be savoured for their thoughtfulness and pragmatic nature. His ideas and proposed solutions were presented with a seemingly effortless and persuasive wisdom.

The touching summary of Terry’s varied and wide ranging career by David Jones on the BASW website illustrates the importance of regularly reminding ourselves to put social work in a wider context. It is, therefore, such a tragic coincidence that we should say “goodbye” to Terry as we embark on the celebration of BASW’s 50th year. However, with his co-editor, Keith Bilton, his forthcoming book, “Social Work: past, present and future” looks likely to be, not only a fine tribute to Terry, but also both a fitting legacy for future generations, and, an apposite epitaph for a simply wonderful man.

My heartfelt thoughts go out to Margaret and their Family.

Graham Thompson BASW Chair, 1993 – 1994.