BARRY JONES: THANK YOU FOR THE MEMORIES

By: Christine Stevens

Imet Barry and Adrienne Jones when they were living and managing Reiersvlei, the beautiful, thatched house on the river off the Wortelgat Road in Stanford.

It was fun and laughter at first sight and has remained so ever since. Putting a high point on our friendship was a dinner party at Kobus’s house on the corner of Church Street – a fancy dress party no less! It was winter and around a blazing fire we laughed and laughed until it became another day – my goodness those really were the days!

Sadly, our beloved Adrienne died in 2021 and Barry was left bereft. He refused to move out of their home, The Old Mill House. Together with his son, Simon, he lovingly restored the Old Mill itself at the bottom of their garden. It was a mission of love and hard work for the Joneses, and Barry felt at home in Caledon Street, Stanford. So, together with his three dogs, he adamantly remained.

Barry was never the same after Adrienne’s passing. I spent as much time with him as possible. We occasionally went out for lunch together – Stanford Valley Manor House was one of his favourites. On occasions he would drive me to Hermanus in his high-speed way to collect my car from the garage, with me praying throughout the journey that we would get there (phew!). Barry certainly lived on the edge.

Barry loved his family very dearly – he was hugely proud of his children and his grandchildren. One of our many outings together was to watch his grandson, Henry (a fast spin bowler), play cricket at Hermanus High School.

I feel very privileged to be an honorary member of the Jones family and I know what the loss of Barry will mean to them. My sincere condolences to Simon, Milly, Gill, Charly, Henry, Alistair, and Olivia. I loved your dad more than I could ever say. RIP my dear friend. Love, Chrissy.

RIP dear Allan – the gentle dog-walker. I will miss seeing your sweet smile and cheery wave every day. Love Christine

RIP dear Meyer – the Music man. I still have your messages and favourite songs on my phone. I will listen often and think of you. Love Christine

Top left to right: Barry enjoying his birthday in January this year at his favourite restaurant, the Stanford Valley Manor House, with good friends, Dixie (pictured) and Christine.

Bottom left to right: In remembering and paying tribute to Barry, Christine spent some time at St Ia’s Church in St Ives, Cornwall. Three candles symbolising the three friends she lost within days of one another (Barry Jones, Alan Scheepers and Meyer Terblanche).