Mayor Barry of Newcastle-under-Lyme tragically died in a car crash on Thursday evening. The council confirmed the devastating news.
Simon Tagg leads the Borough Council and described the shock felt by colleagues and friends. He remembered seeing Barry Wednesday when Barry chaired the council meeting.
Tagg sends thoughts to Barry’s wife, Beatrice, including his family and friends in his message. During his time as mayor, Barry raised money for The Salvation Army and Headway North Staffordshire.
Barry was born in Bedford. At nineteen, he joined the Royal Air Force. After the RAF, he joined the South Wales Constabulary, serving there for twenty-three years.
Barry received awards for bravery and was commended for his policing. He moved to North Staffordshire in 2002. He remarried and lived in Madeley.
Barry joined his residents’ association and then became a parish councillor, also serving as a school governor. In 2016, he joined the Borough Council, representing the Loggerheads ward.