OBITUARIES Intro text?
82 ANNUAL REVIEW IN MEMORIAM
BERNICE BARTON (NÉE BANTON)
MIKE BIBBY
(Cert Ed 1957–1959)
To say that Mike Bibby was a complex character is an understatement; both his sympathies and his antipathies were strong and freely expressed. Multi talented in sculpture, ceramics and painting, his work developed over the years into a mature, distinctive style. He had a discerning palate and assembled an impressive wine cellar. At one point we had a disagreement over a choice of wine for a College event. Though somewhat aggrieved by his comments, I had to acknowledge that he was entirely correct in his judgment. A generous host, he cooked an excellent meal for Jean and me when we stayed with him on a journey to Wales. He regaled us with lovely wines which led to a certain caution when driving the next day. He was a “character”, vivid in his enthusiasms, generous of spirit, occasionally cantankerous but generally benign. He was fortunate to find a supportive partnership in later life. John Ball
Bernice Banton came up to Homerton College from Maris Stella Convent High School, New Brighton, and specialised in Art and Drama. She thoroughly enjoyed her two years in Cambridge and met her future husband David Barton, an Emmanuel Medic, and Mary ‘Topsy’ Hughes (Cert Ed 1957–1959), who was to become her lifelong friend. Her first teaching post was at Kirklands Secondary Modern School, Birkenhead, which gave her a good grounding for later work in Harlow New Town, first at Brays Grove Secondary School and then at Netteswell Comprehensive School. She devoted over ten years to bringing up her two sons and being a hands-on old fashioned GP’s wife in Herne Bay in Kent. Her elder son Sebastian attended Corpus Christi College for the five year medical course while her younger son Hugo went to Bristol University and studied Law. During these years she studied for an Open University BA, passing with Upper Second Class Honours, and followed this with an MA in Psychology at the University of Kent. She then moved into Further Education and successfully taught Psychology and English at Thanet College, Broadstairs, for a number of years before being appointed Lecturer at the Open University in Psychology. She found great satisfaction in helping students with work at University level and continued until retirement. She was a keen attender of reunions at Homerton. Dr David Barton
1932–2015
I vividly remember meeting Mike for the first time at my interview back in 1973. His reddish hair and his height made an immediate impact as well as his big personality. For me, not being overly challenged in the verticality department, it was quite a surprise! John Ball mentions Mike’s wine cellar, something Mike failed to mention at my interview. Upon being appointed, however, I soon was made aware of his extensive knowledge in this direction. At my first departmental social event I was quietly advised by Colin, the art technician, to leave my bottle of Hirondelle under a chair. I cannot recall ever having a less than superb wine in Mike’s presence.
