Tuesday 24th March

A sad time right now. Two close friends have passed in the last few days, both as the result of cancer. Di Thomas was a lady I had known for thirty-odd years through our work with the Guild of Security Controllers, Defence Industry Security Association and The Security Institute. A loyal friend and colleague with a passion for all things security. She will be greatly missed.

Barry Beckingham was a career soldier, long retired, living in my village with his wife, Hazel. I had known Barry since I moved here 10 years ago. He had been unwell for several months before being diagnosed with lung cancer. Although expected in the foreseeable future, his passing came suddenly at the weekend.

RIP Di and Barry.