Barry Barnett, my schooldays friend

Barry and I first crossed paths in the 1950s when we were both in the cast of the annual play - that year it was Midsummer Night's Dream - at our grammar school in north-west Kent. The next time we met was at the Reuter Society nearly 50 years later, but his infectious smile, still as broad as during our schooldays, was unforgettable and we recognised each other immediately. We subsequently shared many memories of teachers and fellow pupils, wondering how we had subsequently avoided crossing paths again during four decades when we were both working for Reuters. A thoroughly good person, I wish I had had time to know him better. ■