Obituary

Mark Saran Balman

Brian Balman 1935-2005

Brian James Balman began his voyage of discovery in Deptford, South East London on the 23rd June 1935. Can you imagine what a loving yet mischievous little boy he was, it must have been hard to have been the youngest son by ten years to his elder brother Derek. His parents were truly great parents during pre-war London (as these were hard times!) Nana B was a tough cookie who took no nonsense and Dad often spent many moments of reflection in the coal hole; until that is Brian discovered an escape route. However, he would take his punishment by always returning to the coal hole before Nana B had returned to unlock the door!

During his childhood he became an World War 11 evacuee. Can you imagine Brian unleashing some fun into the country, must have been wondrous! As a pupil he was an excellent student, academically and also with sports such as horse riding and boxing. After the war, Brian was to accompany his parents to Germany. Nana B was keen for Brian to become a priest however, Grandad B was keen to enter Brian into the Army at 15 for boys service. I think we all...