Town stalwart dies

Marston Barrett, the founder of the jewellers on the High Street, died just two months short of his 95th birthday, and was a Lewes Rotarian for 68 years.

His son Robert said his father was a man of integrity who would be fondly remembered by all family, friends and thousands of customers he served over the years.

Robert Barrett, who has managed the shop since his father's semi-retirement in 1975, said: 'He was a charismatic man who loved the jewellery trade.

'He built up a huge number of customers and clients over the years, and he enjoyed it and continued to come in and work a few hours here and there until he was 85.'

He became a jeweller after leaving school and moved to Brighton from Surbiton to learn his trade.

In 1938, following his marriage to wife Mary, he bought his first shop in the High Street.

During the Second World War he was called up for the Navy and served on the Narkunda, a troop ship which was subsequently sunk, and served the remainder of the war in Avonmouth in the Western Approaches.

Following the war he expanded his jewellery business to Worthing and London, and after considerable success he closed down both shops in the 60s and chose to concentrate his efforts in Lewes.

He bought a second shop in the High Street and family business has continued to trade successfully in the town ever since.

Mr Barrett was a stalwart Rotarian and president of the Lewes branch when the town was flooded in 1960.

Immediately after the flood the Rotary Club, under Mr Barrett's stewardship, delivered coal to every home which had been hit by the flood.

Robert Barrett said: 'He loved Lewes. I think he liked virtually everything about the town.

'He was always very involved with what happened in the town and after joining the Rotary Club in 1939 he remained an honoury member and liked to attend their events whenever he could.'

Marston Barrett died on March 30 and a service was held on Monday at Cuckfield Church.