Worthing's model citizen
TRIBUTES have poured in to Ted Bayley, the man who created a unique record of Worthing.
Ted, 92, who was well-known for his model-making, died at Worthing Hospital on December 22.
Described as a "true gentleman" and "lovely man", Ted created scores of intricately detailed models of some of the town's long-gone historical buildings, including the Rivoli pub, Ship Hotel and the Esplanade Hotel, where Oscar Wilde famously penned The Importance of Being Earnest.
His wife of 17 years, Trude, 74, said: "Ted enjoyed making models and a lot of love went into them.
"He was a perfectionist and if he wasn't happy with a model he was making, he would take it apart and start again.
"After meeting Ted, I went to so many places with him to research new models.
"He was such a lovely man and I had a happy 17 years with him. We made a good team."
Model maker
Ted started making models in the 1980s for Rob Blann, landscape gardener, and then started doing commisioned pieces for the solicitors, A.R. Brown, in Chapel Road, where many can still be seen in the window.
A model would normally take him just a few weeks to make from his workshop at home in Anglesea Street, Worthing.
Solicitor Alan Brown said: "He was very good at making models.
"He was strong-willed and we got on very well.
"We will continue to display his models in the window."
He also created models for Worthing Borough Council and recreated landmarks in Brighton.
But Ted was also a great painter and used to sell his work at the Lido.
He also made dolls houses and mosaics.
Painter and entertainer
Ted was born in Lewisham on December 7, 1915, and was a painter and decorator by trade. During the war, he spent time in the Army.
Ted was a great entertainer and he used to perform the Sand Dance, in the style of the music hall act Wilson, Keppel and Betty.
He successfully auditioned for a part at the Windmill Theatre in London.
But he and the other man in the act turned it down after finding out the money wasn't too good.
Battling dyslexia
Ted was a real character and often told the story of when he was a sign writer – despite being dyslexic.
He would ask his first wife, Hilda, to write down the signs he needed so he could copy them. Even the "pull" and "push" needed for cinema doors.
But one day, he was called out with no warning to do a large sign on a roof.
He accidentally missed out one of the letters and his secret was discovered.
Family man
He moved to Worthing with first wife Hilda and children, Doris and Eddie, during the Blitz in 1943 and into the house he was living in when he died.
The couple had three more children, Brian, David and Simon.
Brian said: "He was always there for us and worked so hard to keep things going for the family.
"He was a real entertainer and he also used to dress up as a clown."
After Hilda's death, Ted met Trude and they married in 1991.Ted's funeral service and burial took place at Durrington Cemetery on Friday.
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Weather for Worthing
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South east
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Light showers
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