It is with huge sadness that we have to announce that Harry Parkes, a long time member of UNISON@NTU, passed away last week at the age of 95. He had been suffering with prostate cancer and unfortunately didn't respond well to treatment.
For those that didn't know him, Harry was born on 15th January 1927 and was conscripted down the coal mines to be a Bevin Boy during WWII. Unlike those who had served in the military, Bevin Boys were not awarded any medals for their contribution to the war effort. However, for many decades, Harry campaigned for a Bevin Boys memorial and eventually it was revealed on 7th May 2013. The stone plinth, designed by Harry himself, is situated at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. In recognition of this, Harry was given the British Empire Medal in 2015. In recent years, Harry led a VE day sing-a-long in his neighbourhood during the 2020 lockdown.
His funeral will be held on Monday 4th April. If you would like to attend, please contact us so we can pass on your details to the organiser.
In lieu of flowers, UNISON@NTU will donate to Prostate Cancer UK in Harry's name. Chris Morris, our newly appointed Retired Members Officer, will also be attending Harry's funeral, so please let us know if you would like Chris to pass on any messages of condolence to loved ones.
"We had to join, we had to join,
We had to join old Bevin’s Army,
Three quid a week and bugger all to eat,
Hob-nailed boots and blisters on our feet.
We had to join, we had to join,
We had to join old Bevin’s Army,
If it wasn’t for the war we’d be where we were before,
Bevin you’re bloody barmy!"