Sad News from Barton Players

Philip Hargreaves 1949-2021

We were all devastated to receive the news that our beloved member and friend Philip Hargreaves passed away at the weekend after a long illness. Phil joined us in 2011 for his first production of “A Christmas Carol” and instantly became a central part of the group. His boundless enthusiasm, wonderful sense of humour and his caring loving and empathetic nature made everyone who met him feel good. Going on to play parts in The Festivities, An Ideal Husband, Musical Connections, Calendar Girls, The Barton Empire, Through the Looking Glass, Snow White the Panto, The Adventures of Mr Toad, Diamonds are for Trevor, One Man Two Guvnors, Aladdin the Panto, Oliver!, A Bunch of Amateurs and A Carol’s Christmas, Phil also became a valued committee member. Phil was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis in recent years, but didn’t let it define him, and was still taking an active part in rehearsals. He loved attending our Annual Summer Schools to help out and was always up for taking part in any events that we took part in. At Phil’s request we had already agreed to raise money for Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis (https://www.actionpf.org) in our forthcoming Pantomime, which will be all the more poignant for us this year. We ask for you all to keep Phil in your thoughts, and know that you will all join us in remembering a star that will shine in our memories forever. RIP you lovely man x