BRIAN WALTERS
The last issue of 'Omnibus' had a brief obituary for Brian Walters who passed away in October 2004. Brian had had the forethought to make provision in his will for the disposal, to the Museum, of his 'model omnibuses, library of books on transport, and all other books, pictures and literature on transport'. So in May, Paul Gray and Phil Ireland had the sad task of visiting Brian's flat and, with the solicitor who was his executor, sorting through all his belongings and bringing those of interest to the Museum back to Wythall. This includes a large volume of die-cast models, numerous books and vast numbers of photographs, including many on glass plates. These will be sorted and added to the archive or made available for sale to assist Museum funds.
We must be very grateful to Brian, not only for the donation but also for taking the trouble to ensure his wishes were included in his will.
Talking to the solicitor it became apparent that, had Brian not done this, the likelihood was that the items we collected and which are so valuable to us would have gone in to the skip.
Perhaps all members who have transport artefacts they have cared for throughout their lives may like to think about what will happen to them after their death? It would seem a shame if, after carefully preserving them, when the time comes for someone to clear your belongings, the worth of these possessions is not realised and they end up being destroyed.
Phil Ireland
Chapel Lane, Wythall, Worcs B47 6JX
Tel : 01564 826471 e-mail us
A registered educational charity no 507191
