Rex & Barbara Hancy's Memorial Bench at Blickling Hall

Our dearly departed friend Rex Hancy (18th Sept. 1929 - 1st March 2025) was an extraordinary man who loved a great many things. First and foremost among them, of course, was his magnificent family. Few things mattered to him as much as the happy times that they spent together at Blickling Hall, and he and Barbara's profound connection to that place informed their wish to have their ashes scattered there - where they could rest in peace together for eternity.

Blickling Hall was also where Rex came to find comfort after the loss of Barbara. He found tranquility in the beauty of the landscape. He found inspiration for many of the projects that energised him. He celebrated his 90th birthday there. And, over the years, he came to collect a great many unlikely new friends on the estate too.

We, his Blickling pals, knew immediately that we were in for a good time when we saw Rex approach us through the garden gates. His mischievous smile caught your eye from a mile off. On the days that he brought his fold-up stool with him, signalling his intention to settle in for a while next to your post, you knew you were in for a particularly juicy story. Conversation with Rex flowed effortlessly despite 70 or so years of age difference between us. He inspired us, made us laugh and nurtured our curiosity and ambition in the way that only a uniquely gifted ex-teacher could. For all of us who had the fortune to make his acquaintance at Blickling and come to call him our friend, Rex was an integral part of our Blickling experience and he will be so sorely missed by all.

Therefore, we are raising funds to remember Rex and his dear Barbara at Blickling in a way that their true VIP status merits. These funds are going to be used to purchase a memorial bench to commemorate them both which will be placed in their favourite spot in the gardens and give all who loved him somewhere to contemplate our years of friendship with this most remarkable of human beings.

The cost of the bench (£1500) is a little too much for us to manage alone, so we are seeking fundraising support from Rex's wider community to make this permanent memorial to him a reality.

Rex touched so many lives in his glorious 95 years. If you are one of those people who was moved by him, anything you can spare to help to give him and his soulmate Barbara the recognition they deserve in their favourite place would be hugely appreciated.

Thank you.

Clara Chamberlain, Amy Woods, Bill Adamson, Matt Cook, Cathryn Osborn-Vergerson & all of Rex's many Blickling friends x