I first met Ben 30 + years ago in the pub , no surprise there ! We were new to the area & I was looking to buy some rings . 

I asked around and was pointed in the direction of a bloke at the end of the bar who was apparently an excellent goldsmith ( they got that right ) !

I approached him in his beatles tee shirt and long ponytailed hair and thought to myself " oh dear its a bloody hippy " we discussed the transaction and over a couple of beers got on famously , he afterwards told me that he took one look at me with the mohican , tattoos , big boots and studded leather and thought " this one looks a bit flaky , I'd better get some money up front " .

In a short period of time Ben  became my best friend and remains so to this day, and for 3 decades this odd couple were to be seen around town getting upto all sorts of shenanigans.

Ben was blessed with the ability to find something positive in everyone he met , he liked people and people liked and respected him .

He is and will be forever missed .

Rest in peace you old hippy !

Colin Sturgess.