Tribute to former March Mayor and train driver Barry Howlett

Barry, who was March born and bred, died earlier this month at Aria Court care home in the town where he had been living for the previous three months. He had been suffering from dementia for several years.

He leaves his widow of nearly 67 years, Sylvia, and their three children, five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Sylvie Wilkins, and brother Vinnie.

Barry, who served as Mayor of March in 1997/98, left the former Hereward School at the age of 14 and immediately got a job as a projectionist's assistant at the Hippodrome Cinema.

Barry Howlett pictured with his wife Sylvia when they were Mayor and Mayoress of March.(Image: Ricky Howlett)

However, it was always his aim to work on the railway, and as soon as he turned 15, he joined as an engine cleaner.

Within a year, he was promoted to a fireman on the steam locomotives, before becoming a train driver with the introduction of diesel engines.

He worked on the railway for 47 years before taking early retirement at the age of 62 when the March depot was closed.

After that, Barry, who served two terms as a councillor for March after being elected in 1995, and was also later elected as a Fenland District Councillor, joined FACT Community Transport as a bus driver. Then, when his health deteriorated, he became a passenger assistant on the buses.

RECOMMENDED READING: Homes without power after electricity pole blaze

Barry Howlett worked on the railway for 47 years and was a train driver for most of that time.(Image: Ricky Howlett)

Barry's son Ricky said: "Whatever Dad set his mind to, he would achieve. He was a very hardworking man, but his family meant everything to him."

Barry served his National Service in the Army and continued to serve in the Territorials after completing his two years.

He served 31 years with the Territorials, being promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer Company Sergeant Major before his retirement.

He was awarded a Lord Lieutenant's certificate and also received the Territorial Army long service medal with three bars for his three decades of service.

Barry Howlett was parade marshal for March Remembrance Day for a number of years having served in the Army, and the Territorial Army.(Image: Ricky Howlett)

Barry was a familiar face around the town and especially at the annual Remembrance Day commemorations which he helped organise as Parade Marshal for the event for many years.

"He was very proud of his army service," said Ricky, "We always went to the Remembrance Day parade, a tradition we all continued even after Dad gave up being Parade Marshal."

In his youth Barry was a keen boxer and represented the country. In 1954 he became the National Army Cadet Champion of Great Britain, he was also British Railways Eastern Region Champion in 1956 and 1958.

He retired from the ring when he married Sylvia, but continued to enjoy the sport from the comfort of his armchair.

Barry and Sylvia Howlett pictured on their wedding day, they were married for nearly 67 years.(Image: Ricky Howlett)

Barry was also a member of the Manchester United Supporters Club and a live-long supporter of the team.

Barry's funeral will be held at Fenland Crematorium in March at a date to be arranged.