Philby

A NERD EXTRAORDINARE

It’s nearly three years since “Philby” decided to leave the NERDS in his own unique way. It’s a notable fact that since his departure he has figured many times in subsequent ‘write-ups’. His selfless dedication to photography was matched only in his love of wine and the odd Calvados. I remember many years ago, when he shared my house, his room was practically lined with photographic wallets from numerous developers and printers. Surely Tesco’s in Lewes must have upgraded their development equipment on the profits from his deposits. As a NERD he was known for his acumen in wine selection, although it was very personal. Another of his loves was for cats and his own was spoiled to the nth degree and yet he lavished his affection on my three when he stayed with me. His musical talents were manifold. From his piano playing to improvised bodhran he could hold a tune and improvise alternatively from ‘Sleeping Satellite’ to ‘summertime’ to ‘Son of a preacher man’. His plaintive cry of ‘One with me in it’ was a cause célèbre that frequently elicited groans from the assembly but often proved the pinnacle of the ramble’s pictures. His memory is celebrated both by the NERDS and his family and in later years his legacy has been be recorded by his headstone in Seaford Cemetry.