A pillar of the community passed away last week, with family, friends and former colleagues paying tribute to him saying he left a long-lasting mark on his hometown of Beaconsfield.

Former managing director of Bekonscot Model Village, Barry Newman, touched many lives and sadly died on Monday, March 2.

He retired from his role at the charitable organisation in 1997 but maintained roles within the Rotary club, Chamber of Commerce and many more.

He also had an interest in Morris dancing but it was through his work with Bekonscot that he will be remembered.

Former colleagues this week released a statement about his death and hailed his influence on the model village.

They said: “Barry took over the running of the village when it was in a very run down condition and it was due to his enthusiasm and the team around him that has helped to make it what it is today.

“Barry touched the lives of so many people and he will be sorely missed.

“A touching quote from Mother Teresa typifies Barry’s life, ‘I alone cannot change the world but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples’.”

Barry leaves behind his wife, Mary, three daughters, two sons-in-law and nine grandchildren.

His funeral was held in Hemel Hempstead on Friday afternoon.

Did you know Barry? Leave your tributes below.