Anthony B. Beard
1st April 1948 - 6th March 2009
Embedded Files
Board Chairman
Press Officer
Journal Editor
Anthony Bernard Beard, known to many as simply “Tone” was born on 1st April 1948 in Quinton, Birmingham, the third of three children, being younger brother to John and Dorothy. As a child he was an altar boy but it wasn’t unheard of for him to miss the odd mass to indulge in his hobby of train-spotting! Tone had many family holidays on the island and fell in love with the place as a result of these annual trips. He joined the Manx Railway Society (as it was then known) in 1967, later becoming the Isle of Man Steam Railway Supporters’ Association, and was quick to join their committee, becoming editor of the Manx Steam Railway News and later chairman and secretary, a post he retained until his death.
His devotion to the Isle of Man Railway ultimately saw him moving to live on the Isle of Man in August 1969 at the age of 21, first living in Stanley Place and it was at this time that he met lifelong friend the late Alastair Lamberton. He loved the people and tranquil places of his new adopted home and never lost his passion for the island and its lifestyles; his first job on arrival was as the first ever fully qualified legal executive on the island, at Kelly Luft and he later worked at Dickinson Cruickshank & Co., for several years, finally moving to the Mount Pleasant offices of Mark Moroney Advocates in 1988 where he remained in employments until his death. Tony met first wife Margaret in 1973 and they were married a year later in 1974.
A well-respected character in the local legal fraternity, Tone’s was a familiar face in the island’s business centre of Athol Street for many years. And, of course at the far end of Athol Street are the golden turrets of Douglas Railway Station home to Tone’s main passion the Isle of Man Railway; he was a tireless campaigner during the railway’s darkest days in the 1970s when its whole existence was under threat, and was often outspoken - though never unheard!
He and many others dedicated virtually all of his free time to the cause until, in 1978, the railway was nationalised and its future longevity was secured. Following this, when the Isle of Man Steam Railway Supporters’ Association took on the ambitious task of resurrecting the Groudle Glen Railway in 1982, Tony quickly embraced the project and was soon to be known as “Mister Groudle” and became the group’s spokesman. Together with close friend Alastair and a close-knit group of enthusiasts they put in many hours to the restoration which ultimately saw the railway re-open on 23rd May 1986, but it was Tone who was the driving force behind the project, and he who was most closely associated with it ever after. Tony was heavily involved in the return of the line’s original locomotive Sea Lion to service, and built up a rapport with the staff on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway in Cumbria, nearby to the B.N.F.L. plant where the locomotive was re-built, and the lads at Groudle still retain very strong links with the boys from the “Ratty”, largely thanks to both Tony and Alastair. Of course, Sea Lion returned to the glen in 1987, and this was something of which Tone was tremendously proud, giving him much pleasure over the years.
The railway was featured on the television in 1988 as part of The Train Now Departing series looking back at twenty years since the end of steam operations in the U.K. and it was of course Tony that stepped forward to be interviewed in front of the cameras. He was mischievously haunted afterwards by his comments, often being reminded of them when doing a particularly menial or difficult task on the railway (part of his hands-on management style), but now it seems more apt than ever to repeat them:-
“it’s a labour of love and I think I can say that for everyone who comes
down here; to see the smiles on the children’s faces makes it all worthwhile”.
These are true words indeed and ones that speak volumes for his dedication to the cause. As the railway grew and grew, another generation of volunteers arrived on the scene, and in many ways these lads became Tony’s surrogate children, they grew up to respect and admire him as if part of one big happy family. In 1997 he married Lynda, whom he had met and known from his days on the railway in the 1970s which brought to him a new lease of life.
An habitual worrier by his own admittance, he became more relaxed and it was Lynda that helped him through the loss of two good friends in 1999, Alastair Lamberton and of course Mike Goodwyn, or “The Goodie” as he was known by Tone and everyone else. Although Tone was modest about it, he was a font of knowledge on the Isle of Man and its railways, second only to the late James I.C. Boyd and loved to reminisce over his time as station master at Castletown and later Douglas Station, and his many hours of volunteer work on the railway, over a glass or three of good wine.
In more recent times Lynda and he became godparents to Antony who (fortunately!) shared his passion for trains! This inevitably led to a plethora of Thomas The Tank Engine toys appearing in the house, and then a g-scale train set being laid on the carpet of his lounge so even when he wasn’t up to making an appearance in the glen he could still play trains (all for the benefit of his godson, of course!) He must have clocked up many hours driving Caledonia behind the settee, round the coffee table, past the television . . .!
Even when he became ill last year, Tony lost none of his enthusiasm for Groudle and the Isle of Man Railway, and continued to visit the glen with the gang until October, and keeping up to date with all the political matters on the “big” railway, and attending the annual narrow gauge staff gathering at Ravenglass, one of his favourite places, in November. The boys of the railway Supporters’ Association and Groudle Glen Railway and legal profession have lost a great benefactor and friend; Tone was a very special person to a great many people and will never be forgotten.
A Very Special Train
Monday 16th March 2009
At 2.00pm on the afternoon of Monday 16th March 2009, a very special train departed Douglas Station hauled by No.13 Kissack with carriages F.26, F.10 and brake F.49; the latter carriage carried the coffin of the late Tony Beard, secretary and long-standing member of the Supporters’ Association.
The train was organised with the grateful assistance of the railway management and travelled as far as Santon Station where, after a brief stop, it returned to the terminus.
It is a testament to the high regard in which Tony was held by the railway fraternity, with a great number of people travelling, prior to the funeral service the following day. To our knowledge this was a first for the railway, a fitting tribute to the man who did so much to ensure the railways’ existence for future generations.
Pallbearers for this sad occasion were provided by members of the Supporters’ Association committee and Groudle Glen Railway volunteers; the locomotive was immaculately turned-out and thanks are due to both driver James Maddrell and fireman Jack Dibnah for their efforts.
No.13 was fitted with a wreath of flowers and carried a polished lamp for the event; it seemed strangely suitable that this locomotive headed the train; its mournful sounding deeper whistle was somehow apt for the occasion.
We also wish to thank the management of the railway for allowing the train to happen. Upon arrival of the train back in the capital, its passengers retired to the nearby Railway Hotel where a buffet had kindly been provided and arranged by Tony’s wife Lynda.
Thanks must go first and foremost to Lynda, Tony’s sister Dorothy and brother John for allowing such an event to take place and arranging matters at this difficult time as well as the management and staff of the railway who were more than happy to co-operate and make sure the event passed without fault, as well as to all those who attended to pay their last respects in this unique way and the members of the Supporters’ Association who were in attendance.
The funeral service took place at Douglas Borough Crematorium the following morning and as you would expect was extremely well-attended, with several friends and fellow railway enthusiasts travelling from the mainland for the occasion.
This collection of images from 16th March 2009 are reproduced here courtesy of John Maddrell and show No.13 Kissack with carriages F.26, F.10 and brake F.49; the latter carriage carried the coffin of the late Tony Beard, secretary and long-standing member of the Supporters’ Association, making for a fitting final journey.
“…This Train Don’t Stop Here Anymore…”
Tributes To Tony Beard
Since the news of Tony’s passing has spread, we have received a large volume of tributes via our website and in the mail; rather than place all these onto the website immediately, or select a few for publication, included here are all of the tributes received which we are sure you will agree paint a pretty accurate portrait of the man and how much he will be missed by so many.
Just a quick note to say how sorry all of us here at Ravenglass to hear about Tony. The fact that we all knew it was going to happen does not make it any easier. Please let Tony’s family and friends know we are thinking of them at this sad time.
David Jenner (Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway)
Thanks for passing on the sad news. Please pass on our condolences to all his family and friends, it will seem strange visiting Groudle in the future without him around.
John Stanton & Co. (Amberley Chalk Pits Museum)
I am very sorry to hear that Tony has passed away, you along with many others will have happy memories of times spent together. We will do our best to let folk know over here.
Trevor Stockton (Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway)
I’m totally shocked. It was only through speaking to you I knew how was even ill. He was a lovely guy and as with Alastair’s death visits to see yourselves won’t seem the same any more.
Andrew Neale (Railway Books)
This is a real shock, but thanks for letting us know; Carrie and I will contact Lynda, but our condolences and thoughts to all of you. We will be over for the Transport Event but it will not be quite the same in the Glen.
Cliff Thomas, (The Railway Magazine)
I am so sorry to hear of Tony’s passing; I am deeply saddened and shocked. As you will know I met Tony on every visit I made to the Island, found him so helpful and approachable, and always looked forward to a ride on the G.G.R. On many of my visits I stayed at the Groudle Cottages and my family also got to know Tony, enjoying rides on the G.G.R. I think all those who came into contact with him will miss his tremendous drive and enthusiasm, not to mention his knowledge of Manx railways and Manx transport. He was a lovely chap too. Please pass on my condolences, and that of The Railway Magazine, to his family
Chris Milner (The Railway Magazine)
It was a shock but not a surprise to hear of Tony’s death. He has been a staunch supporter of the Isle of Man and its railways for as long as most people can remember. He was always welcoming and friendly when I met him, usually at Groudle so I was sorry to see how ill he looked when I last met with him in September. He will be sadly missed but I hope his example will be an inspiration to all working to ensure the survival and development of railways on the island.
Chris White (I.o.M.S.R.S.A. Member)
Thanks for the information; I am sure Tony would appreciate a last trip on the I.M.R. bearing in mind his long involvement with the Supporters’ Association. It also sounds like a nice touch going past Groudle [the funeral cortege passed here, ed.]; it is going to weird there without him. Pity in hindsight we never got around to turning Sea Lion to return chimney first to Lhen Coan, I would hove to have seen the look on his face!
John Stanton (Amberley Chalk Pits Museum)
Please give my condolences to Lynda and everyone else at Groudle Glen. Although I don’t come to the Isle of Man much these days, I always enjoyed my visits when they were more frequent; as you may know, I now live in Crich in Derbyshire, and am heavily involved with the Tramway Museum. I look forward to another visit to Groudle some time, but it won’t be quite the same without Tony.
David Smith (Author)
In November, despite his illness Tony gave an illustrated talk to the Isle of Man Victorian Society on the history of the Groudle Railway. In St. Paul’s Cathedral is a plaque in memory of Sir Christopher Wren its architect; it proclaims “Reader if you seek his memorial - look around you”. The same could be said of Tony at Groudle.
Peter Kelly (I.o.M. Victorian Society)
I was extremely shocked and saddened by the news on the association’s website today; It was June 2007 when I was last in the Isle of Man and Tony was doing “his thing” - acting as guard on one of the Groudle trains. Having not been to the island since I was not aware that he was ill. I am sure he will be very much missed by everyone. As others have already said, Groudle Glen won’t be the same without him. Please pass on my sincere condolences to Lynda.
John Zebedee (I.o.M.S.R.S.A. Member)
When I think of Tony, I smile and remember the times he made me laugh. He was someone who would offer words of wisdom and perspective. I always knew he was at the end of the phone and there were occasions when that clarity was needed. He was often the one at gatherings who was the catalyst for mischief but would just be far enough away as to not get caught, but if you looked around a corner he’d be there looking on and giggling. He still referred to me as “trouble” even though I was in my thirties, an affectionate term which made me feel warm inside. I remember him visiting when I was growing up in particular when I was 15 years old, revising for exams isn’t meant to be fun, but it will get you where you need to go he said . . . I know he always remembered that visit too. I always looked forward to seeing him and was always sad to see him go. Tony you leave behind a wonderful wife Lynda, your family, many friends and a niece who will always remember you with great fondness. You leave a fantastic legacy behind in the railway. Uncle Anthony you were one in a million and I’ll miss you.
Niece Julianna & Great Nephew Daniel xxx
It’s perhaps a very sad but nonetheless important aspect of the internet that means we’ve all got to know so quickly about poor Tony. As an exiled Manxie, news like this is always upsetting, when it is about a friend then infinitely more so. It is inevitable that we cast our minds back at a time like this. I can’t remember when I first met Tony, he has just always been around the railways. He was certainly there when I started hanging around the I.M.R. in 1973 and, from then on, has always been part of the scene. From being a volunteer guard on Sundays on the I.M.R. to through the work parties we used to do, and then on to Groudle Glen and all successes there, Tony has been very much a part of my contact with the railways of the Island and thus my growing up. Tony’s stature is such that he stands shoulder to shoulder with A.M. Sheard and Donald Shaw as one of the people who, at their own time, ensured the survival of railway. To go on and be one of the driving forces behind Groudle says even more for the man. The Island has been very fortunate that Tony made it his home. My thoughts are with you and, of course, with Lynda at this saddest of times.
Jonathan Bregazzi (I.o.M.S.R.S.A. Member)
Handing over the Association petition to save the railway to J.A.C.K. Nivision, with (l-r) Alex Townsend, Richard Clark and Tone. This document is still held in the Library of Tynwald.
A Tribute To Tony Beard
Robert Preston Hendry
I was shocked and saddened to hear the sad news that Tony Beard had passed away on 6 March 2009. Tony and I were born within a few weeks of one another, both being “1948 models”. We first met when Tony was appointed Publicity Officer of the I.o.M.S.R.S.A. at the Annual General Meeting on 24th May 1969. At that time, my late father, Dr. R. Preston Hendry, was Vice-President of the Supporters’ Association, a post he had been nominated to by the outgoing President, Air Marshal Sir Paterson Fraser, and was elected as President at that meeting on the nomination of Sir Paterson. Although I did not know it at the time, the nomination by Sir Paterson was at the behest of the Marquess of Ailsa who had stepped in to lease the railway from 1968. Tony Beard was a keen and energetic young man, anxious to do his bit for the railway. I suppose the same could be said for myself.
Over the next four years, during which time I was elected to the committee of the I.o.M.S.R.S.A., we worked together, and I know the hard work that Tony put in. Regrettably problems arose, and there was a parting of the ways. My father became Chairman of the Isle of Man Railway Society, a post he held until his death in 1991, when I was elected to the same office, the old unincorporated Society becoming the present I.o.M. Railway & Tramway
Preservation Society in the 1990s.
Tony and I crossed swords on many occasions in the 1970s and 1980s, but I think it was with regret on both sides that this was the case. In 1985, Tony and I chanced to be travelling on the Steam Packet, and a few comments initiated by Tony led to a much better understanding. I reported back to our committee, “that peace had broken out” much to their surprise and, let me say, their pleasure. I was more than happy for that peace, but the olive branch came from Tony, and I would like that to be on the record. In due course, the ridiculous proposal to built a Post Office Sorting centre on top of Douglas station surfaced. I was given a copy of the original plans, and “Opened the batting” with the campaign against this nonsense. I spoke to Tony, and asked if he wanted a joint campaign. He suggested, wisely I believe, that if we worked together in private, but mounted independent campaigns in public, that we would get twice as much publicity. I am sure he was right.
There was a complete exchange of information, and later when the Post Office developed a new plan, Tony saw them, and this time, he let me know. A few days later, the chairman of the Authority was live on Manx Radio, and I challenged him. He said that I would not know about the changes, so I replied “Oh, you mean the new version with the mock battlements”. This ridicule inflicted fatal damage on the project, and Tony phoned me later on to offer his congratulations, but the credit was his. I just happened to fire the bullet. I was very glad that Tony and I were able to bury the hatchet, and work together in this way. Later on, the same situation arose with Mike Goodwyn, and we ended up as friends. Both could be controversial.
Both said what they thought, and both did a great deal of good. There were times I believed they were wrong, and that a more diplomatic approach would achieve better results, but I have often thought that the combination of two seam bowlers in the shape of Mike and Tony, and a softer approach from myself achieved good results. Diplomacy is good, but a gunboat can concentrate minds, and Tony and Mike had the firepower of a battleship when necessary. I am sorry that Tony is no longer with us, but the Island and its railways are the better for his efforts. On behalf of the officers and members of the I.o.M.R.&T.P.S., I offer our sincere condolences to Tony’s family, friends and to all who care about the railways of the Isle of Man.
Robert Hendry, Chairman
Isle of Man Railways & Tramways Preservation Society
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