Barry Theobald-Hicks RIP

We are very sad to pass on the news that Past Master Barry Theobald-Hicks died during the first week in September. He had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in late 2024 and despite a punishing regime of medication he retained his usual positive and kind-hearted demeanour; warmly welcoming those who visited him at home. He had been in the care of a local hospice for a short period when he died. 

The main part of Barry’s career was in the Fine Arts world. He was lucky to work for Sotheby's Fine Art Auctioneer's in Mayfair for 17 years between 1976 and 1993. He then moved to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, working for 5 years as the Senior Museum Assistant at Leighton House, the home of Frederick, Lord Leighton, the pre-Raphaelite Artist and first President of the Royal Academy. 

Prior to this he spent 6 years with the Territorial Army from 1969. He joined the Royal Army Medical Corps (City of London Detachment), based at the HAC, where he was trained as a Medic (Field First Aider). Although he never deployed on operations, he was mobilised with the unit to Germany in 1974 and helped set up a 200-bed field hospital, where he was part of the Intensive Care Department. 

Throughout this time, he was also a member of the St John Ambulance Brigade, which he served for 46 years’ before retiring in 2020; he held various Officer Appointments and left as the Deputy National Secretary of the St John Fellowship (for retired Uniformed Members). 

Having been a member of the Royal British Legion for 26 years, he retired from active office after serving three terms as Chairman as well as President. He was invested with the Order of the League of Mercy at the Mansion House in 2019, in recognition of his service to the Royal British Legion. He also served with the Light Cavalry HAC, a Ceremonial Troop which acts as Escort to the incoming Lady Mayoress during The Lord Mayor's Show. 

He was a member of The Worshipful Company of Scriveners for 30 years and was installed as Master on the 22nd July 2020, becoming one of the “Covid Masters” who served two consecutive terms until July 2022.

Barry will be remembered with great affection by all who knew him.