Arthur Barratt

“Sad are the hearts that love you, Silent the tears that fall”

Sadly at home on Friday the 17th of May Arthur passed away aged 82 years.

The beloved husband of the late Beryl, dearest dad of Nicholas and a special friend to may who will be so sadly missed.

Nicholas lost his beloved dad Arthur, a devoted husband to the late Beryl, dear
brother-in-law to Alan and Margaret who live in Scotland but would often visit when
visiting Margaret’s sister in Weston. Arthur was also a brother-in-law to the late Terry
and Brenda and an uncle and friend to many.
Arthur was a good man who was well known for helping people around the village
with all sorts of DIY and building work. He was trustworthy, reliable, well liked and
respected by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Arthur may no longer have a physical presence, but he will never be far from
Nicholas’s thoughts and his love is locked safely within his heart. Best of friends
throughout life, Arthur counted his blessings from the day Nicholas was born. Not
only did Nicholas cling onto life as the second smallest baby ever to be born at the
Barony, three months premature, he weighed just 2lb, quickly dropped to a meagre
1lb 10oz but made a remarkable recovery and went on to make his parents proud
when he hit the headlines 12 months later, tipped the scales at 25lb.
Arthur and Beryl were incredibly proud knowing that Nicholas had defied the odds
but then in 2010, Nicholas had a medical emergency and very nearly didn’t make it.
That traumatic experience followed by Beryl’s passing in 2014, deepened the bond
between father and son.
He was forthright and never faltered in being true to himself. You sort of knew if he
liked you or not. His unwavering honesty and authenticity were hallmarks of his
character. He lived his life with a clear sense of purpose and integrity, never shying
away from expressing his true feelings. This directness was refreshing and made
him a reliable and trustworthy friend.
Born in Englesea Brook, Arthur was one of two children although his sister sadly
passed away at a tender age. The family moved to 23 Cemetery Road which gave
Arthur the perfect playground in a rural area.
After leaving school, he entered into an apprenticeship with T J Gresty and they
wrote a testimonial in 1965, no doubt to use in future employment which reads: “Mr A
Barratt has been employed by us for the last eight years as a joiner and has carried
out his work to our entire satisfaction.”
With eight years of valuable experience, Arthur found work in the building trade,
initially working for Simpson Cooke. His expertise wasn’t limited to joinery; he could
turn his hand to anything. In fact, many farmers in the area sought his skills for
various building projects, including his friends John Witter and John Williamson.
There are vast number of building jobs we could mention especially the joinery work
on Milbeck Housing Development, refurbishment projects for business people in the
Chinese Community and erecting conservatories, greenhouses and extensive
shopfitting for Bridgemere Garden Centre.
The most significant building project Arthur undertook was, of course, the family
home on East Avenue. His dad had originally bought the substantial corner plot of
land with the proceeds from a small pools win, thinking it would be an ideal place to
park his car.

Over time, he started growing dahlias to sell at Crewe market, although he
eventually stopped the small enterprise as passersby couldn't resist helping
themselves to the beautiful blooms.
The land became derelict for a time but then in 2001, Arthur got planning permission
to build a new home. Arthur's work on the property stands as a testament to his
dedication and skill and his desire to provide a substantial home for Beryl and
Nicholas.
So what about family life?
Whilst living at 23 Cemetery Road he met the love of his life, they married and lived
at Chestnut Grove in Crewe but lived in several properties including Chestnut Grove,
Crewe, Holly Mount in Shavington, 76 Cemetery Road, Weston Lane in Basford and
to East Avenue.
As well as working hard, Arthur maintained a keen interest in country fairs and steam
rallies. Between 1987 and last year, he took an active role in organising events in
Cheshire and further afield to places like Anglesey, Cumbria and Dorset. He also
exhibited his own stationary engine and Nicholas tells me the last event was held at
Rushton Spencer.
Arthur and Beryl always looked forward to their holidays. When Nicholas was
younger, they mainly took coach trips. However, after Arthur got a new van, they
drove to Spain and Nicholas can recall they used a tent. They particularly enjoyed
their trips to Spain and France. As Nicholas got older and since he hated flying, he
stayed home to look after the animals, allowing Arthur and Beryl to continue their
travels.
Arthur was always a very active man and still driving. He loved chopping and sawing
wood to use in the log burner but also sold sticks by the bag. He regularly walked
the family dogs, and it seems Arthur always had to go where Scruffy led him then
Saide has been the family dog since 2022.
Arthur was also a very good cook, always having a hearty stew on the go during the
winter. He didn’t just stick to savory dishes; he was an excellent baker, particularly
known for his cakes, scones, and tea loaves.
And somehow, he found the time to enjoy a bit of TV although rarely during the day.
He has been known to watch Formula 1 until into the early hours. He also liked to
watch programmes like Gold Rush and Bargain Hunt and of course he enjoyed
football.
Arthur was a provider whose whole life revolved around his wife and son. He never
failed to put a smile on your faces and could make even the worst day seem a little
brighter.

Arthurs funeral will take place at Crewe Crematorium Chapel on Monday 17th June at 2.45pm

Donations in memory of Arthur will be gratefully received for Cancer Research UK.

For further enquiries please call 01270 584447