We were recently contacted by Tony’s son, Andy, who wished to share some of the history of the Douglas family of Barrington.
Anthony Roland Douglas (Tony) passed away in late 2024 aged 94, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. His wife, Enid Mary Douglas (nee Leverington) who grew up in Meldreth, also passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2022, aged 88.
The family have a strong connection to the village. Tony was born in Barrington, and grew up at 15 West Green. He lived with his parents George and Ruth Douglas, older brother Eddie and younger sisters Edna and Kath.
Tony’s father, George, was foreman at Eastwood cement works before, during and post World War II until retirement. He helped build Barrington Cricket Pavilion and Social Club, that still exist today. George, Eddie and Tony played for Barrington Cricket and Football clubs, along with other Douglas relatives, including Paul, and more recently Michael Douglas (son of Eddie), with many plaques and photos still hanging in the Cricket Pavilion today.
For Tony’s remembrance and celebration service in October 2024, Tony’s sister Kath Mills from Foxton, wrote a special poem, which we are sure that all those who know and love Barrington, will greatly appreciate.
To Barrington with Love, by Kath Mills (Sister of Tony Douglas)
We had a lovely childhood,
Eddie, Tony, Edna and Kath.
The village green was our playground,
And go home when we must.
We roamed the fields and meadows,
And paddled in the streams.
Wild flowers in abundance,
It now seems like a dream.
No mobile phone or television,
In those days we were free.
We made our own “make believe”,
Until we went home for tea.
