Bernard was the Society’s Chair from 1997-2003, and subsequently our President.  Following National Service in the Royal Artillery, much of it spent in Hong Kong, Bernard went up to Selwyn College, Cambridge where he read Geography and gained a Soccer Blue before embarking on a career in the oil industry, culminating in his appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Shell in Thailand.

On his retirement Bernard returned to UK where he settled in Haslemere with his wife Sybil and joined the Anglo-Thai Society.  He was Chair for six years from 1997 to 2003, and subsequently served as our President.  He maintained an active interest in the Society until very recently, especially in the Education Awards, which he was instrumental in introducing during his period as Chair, and for his role in developing close relations with the Royal Thai Embassy which continue today.

Bernard is remembered with great affection by those who knew him.  Trevor Knox writes ‘I was fortunate to be Hon. Secretary of the Society during the time that Bernard was Chair, and remember him with great affection.  He was a true gentleman.’

Narisa Chakrabongse remembers 'I was vice-chair to Bernard throughout his tenure and always enjoyed our conversations together. He was very intelligent and had a great sense of humour. Apart from the Anglo-Thai he also was active with his local museum and told very funny stories about it. It was always a pleasure to see him and Sybil at receptions even after he was no longer chair. 

Dr Angela Cleary worked with Bernard for many years on the Education Awards.  She remembers hom very kindly:

'Bernard was always so supportive of the Awards and was instrumental in sourcing the beautiful engraved plaques and ordering them for many years.  Bernard attended the Awards regularly and greatly enjoyed presenting the prizes and speaking with the recipients.  He will be greatly missed'

Bernard died peacefully at home aged 91, following his return from a short stay in hospital