Tributes pour in to the late Mr Hadleigh Barry Nutt

Barry Nutt, who died on March 7, was a huge part of the market town's life. 

He arrived in Hadleigh in 1987 with his wife, Joan. The couple were looking for the perfect place where they could relax and enjoy his retirement.

However, far from fading into the background, Barry threw himself into community life. 

Indeed, his eldest daughter, Angie, said that since his death, she has even had messages from people describing him as ‘Mr. Hadleigh’. 

“Dad did so much for his community,” said Angie. “He was well-loved by everyone he knew.” 

Barry Nutt, pictured as a young man. Image: Angie Nutt (Image: Angie Nutt)

Barry Nutt pictured with his three children, Angie, Christina and Martin. Image: Angie Nutt (Image: Angie Nutt)

Barry was born in Flixton near Manchester on August 14, 1933, the elder son of Jack and Myra Nutt. Barry and his younger brother, Brewis, enjoyed a close relationship all of their lives. 

Their father served in the RAF and French Resistance during the war, and was absent from their lives for six years. 

Barry displayed a flair for languages since his early childhood. There were many prisoners of war held in Flixton at that time, and the young Barry soon learned to speak German. 

“They were grateful, as nobody else would speak to them,” said Angie. “That’s what Dad was like, he was always so kind and gentle.” 

When Barry’s father returned home, the 12-year-old Barry was forbidden from speaking German ever again. 

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Barry passed his 11-plus with flying colours and attended the local grammar school. He also began learning the trumpet, a passion he would carry with him throughout his life. 

Barry was awarded a free place at Manchester University, where he studied languages.

He then travelled to Oregon in the USA, where he studied for an MA in French, Spanish, Italian, Romanian and Latin. 

He also joined several jazz and dance bands, and was even offered his own jazz radio show. However, Barry chose to return to England, where he trained as a teacher. 

Barry pictured with his eldest daughter, Angie. Image: Angie Nutt (Image: Angie Nutt)

Barry Nutt pictured with Hadleigh High School swing band. Image: Angie Nutt (Image: Angie Nutt)

Barry married his first wife, Carol, in 1962, and the pair lived close to his parents near Manchester for a time. Barry then found a post at Daventry Grammar School in Northamptonshire, and they moved here before starting a family. 

Angie arrived first, and Christina and Martin soon followed. 

Angie said that her father was ‘radical’ in his approach to teaching, for he worked hard to make his lessons engaging. He wanted his students to love speaking other languages, rather than simply reading from dry textbooks. 

“We would go on camping trips all around France in the holidays, and come back with photos for his students,” laughed Angie. 

The family later moved to Essex, where they lived in various towns, including Brentwood, where Barry worked with young offenders. 

Barry and Carol separated in 1986, and he began lecturing at Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford. It was here that he met his second wife, Joan.  

Barry Nutt was a keen musician. He had trumpet lessons for a year when he was 11, but from then on, he was entirely self-taught. Image: Angie Nutt (Image: Angie Nutt)

Angie Nutt said that her father was known for his kind and gentle nature. Image: Angie Nutt (Image: Angie Nutt)

After moving to Suffolk, Barry became involved with the Hadleigh High School swing band. He was a mentor to so many of its young members, helping to nurture their confidence. 

He also went on several trips to Europe with the swing band. Angie laughs to remember the memorable trip to Germany when Barry impulsively joined in a yodeling competition. 

To gales of laughter from the swing band members, Barry won.  

In 1989, Barry formed the Suffolk Punch, a charity swing band, and continued to play with them until he was 82 and his front tooth fell out. 

Barry was also a town crier for Hadleigh, and loved to dress up in his robes, shouting out the town’s news.  

Barry Nutt died on March 7, aged 89. He is survived by his daughters, Angie and Christina, and his grandchildren, Alexander, Ella and Alabama. 

To read more tributes to those we have loved and lost in Suffolk, click here.