Diana Mary Barton 1926 - 2018
Foxearth Church was full on Wednesday 2nd January 2019 for a service commemorating the life of Mrs Diana Barton who died on Christmas Eve 2018. The service was conducted by the Rev. Paul Grover with organ duties being shared between the writer and Diana's grandson, Arthur who - at the age of 13 - exhibits exceptional talent on the instrument.
There were readings by daughter-in-law, Sarah and by Laura Danahar (nee Killick) - a Long Melford friend from the early 60s who helped Diana with her horses and who looked after the other livestock when the family were on holidays.
A moving tribute to his mother was given by Charlie. Diana was born on December 15th 1926 in London, the daughter of Air Chief Marshall Sir Robert Brooke-Popham. She was educated for a time in Kenya where her father was Governor and went on to a Domestic Science College. At the age of 17 she enlisted in the WRENS in which service she made many lifelong friends. She later served on the staff of Bletchley Park where highly confidential code-breaking work was being done. For all of her life Diana had an occasional slight stammer; something which she put down to being lost in a London crowd by her nanny when she was quite small. A traumatic experience for a youngster! Diana met her future husband Robert (Bobby) when he delivered a Labrador puppy to her home in Oxfordshire. It is perhaps not surprising that, having boxed for the Army. one of the first dates Robert had with Diana was to a boxing match.They married and- after briefly considering farming in Kenya - moved to Eyston Smyths in 1948/49 where they farmed cattle, indulged Diana's great love of horses. followed the countryside pursuits of hunting and shooting and held some great parties! In due course children Meg, Charlie and Joanna arrived. Diana's passion for horses meant that she built up quite a reputation as a breeder of ponies and she produced some fine stock which she would take around the country in her horsebox. It is said that Bobby would at times become quite exasperated at the number of equine creatures around the place. At the age of 79 Diana had major surgery for cancer of the hip which, understandably, curtailed her activities somewhat and led to Joanna assuming some carer responsibilities.
In 1940 Diana's father was appointed Commander-in-Chief British Far East Command and at the fall of Singapore Brooke-Popham was widely attacked at home as being responsible for the collapse. Many felt that this was a grave injustice which ignored his significant efforts to obtain the required defence resources and the lack of strategic information for him. Author Peter Dye researched the situation and uncovered new evidence setting the record straight in his book, "The Man Who Took The Rap" a biography of Sir Robert Brooke-Popham published in October 2018. It was to Diana's great delight that Charlie was able to take her to the book's launch in London on 3rd December 2018. On the next day Diana had the catastrophic stroke that led to her death.
Diana was buried at the resting place of Bobby at Saxby All Saints, North Lincolnshire on 3rd January.
Before old age began to affect her in her last few years Diana was a vibrant character, full of fun and ever ready to have a chat with her many local friends. Laura Danahar's description of her as an elegant lady struck a chord with those of us who knew her. We shall miss her and extend to her children, grand children and great grand children our sincere condolences.
Ken Nice