Simon Bestow lived a wide and varied life, with many interests and passions. In all things Simon sort to represent the voice of the average person to ensure fair play
Simon was born at Fox Lane, Southgate on the 1st January 1935, the eldest child in a small Bestow family.
From 1947 Simon attended the Merchant Taylors School in Northwood as a border and was noted for his sporting skills in Athletics and more importantly rugby which remained a passion throughout his life.
On leaving school in 1952 Simon worked at the Colne Valley Water Company, studying to be a water engineer.
He then subsequently worked for the Tendering Hundred Water Company, the Ipswich Water Board and finally Anglian Water. During his career he was involved in the construction of among other things, Alton Water Reservoir and the Water Main running under the Orwell Bridge.
In 1971 Simon married Linda who, in my father’s words ‘an intelligent Scots girl’– probably his best ever decision, particularly for Jon and myself.
During Simon’s time at Lonsdale Close he continued with his interest in sport playing squash in the leagues run at Ipswich Airport and becoming a founder member of the Ipswich Jaffa running club. He also enjoyed watching Ipswich Town play at Portman Road.
Well, apart from the day that he was summoned by tannoy announcement as Linda, who is allergic to stings, had just been attacked by a bee.
From Lonsdale Close the family moved to Claverton Way in Rushmere.
Being an active member of the community was something Simon felt very strongly about.
When living at Lonsdale Close Simon helped run the Suffolk branch of the Boy’s Club.
Living at Claverton Way Simon became a governor of Copleston School and served as a Parish Councillor for Rushmere. Probably more importantly Simon served on the County Council for 20 years, representing a voice of moderation during some difficult times, to give you some idea of this he was both a Conservative County Councillor and a trade union representative for NALGO.
Campaigning for the county council had a direct impact on me. In order to get a lift anywhere from Simon or Linda during an election you had to first deliver what seemed like a thousand leaflets, crammed in to the back of the incredibly small Fiat 126. The unwritten rule seemed to be it would always rain.
During his time at Anglian Water Simon worked on amongst other things the design and build of Alton Water and the water main that runs under the Orwell Bridge.
As an interested teenager I was taken on tours of water towers (which I can tell you are very high) and underground reservoirs (which are very dark).
Simon also had an interest in the Theatre. Simon and Linda attended many plays both locally and in the West End – even travelling to New York to Broadway. Earlier adopters of stage shows they saw many plays and musicals in their opening runs like Starlight Express.
Linking in his views on the community Dad served on the committees for both the Wolsey Theatre and the Eastern Angles. He also served on the management committee of Gainsborough House.
Simon’s passion for the arts wasn’t restricted to the Theatre. Not only did he regularly visit the Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy, he also had a talent for watercolour painting – something he enjoyed right up to the final phase of his cancer.
Simon was fortunate that with a re-organisation of Anglian Water he was asked to work in Colchester. This involved moving house to East Bergholt where they found a welcoming village life that captured their hearts, derailing their original plan to move to Woodbridge on Simon’s retirement.
In East Bergholt Linda and Simon both joined the Bowls Club in 1995, a new experience for both of them. Simon took playing bowls very seriously, running a number of teams including the Seagulls. It was no surprise when Simon served a term as chairman of the Bowls Club.
Trips to the football became less frequent but Simon continued to enjoy listening to the Ipswich Town commentary on BBC Radio Suffolk – inspired I think by the unbiased views of Mick Mills.
He continued to support Saracens rugby team who he’d watched in his youth.
Simon also enjoyed attending horse race meetings with Linda. Although Linda has been on a horse management course at Otley, Simon’s only equine experience was a donkey ride on the beach when he was three.
Simon not only leaves two sons he also had 7 Great Grand children and one Great Great Grandchild all of who greatly miss him.
Simon was very proud that he had lived to the ripe old age of 80, living nearly twice as long as his father.
His prescription for a good life.
A mile walk every day, a good book to read and meeting people.
Goodbye Dad, you may be gone, but you will never be forgotten.
Written by Nik Bestow.
