​Ian was a member of our club for over 40 years, first joining in the early 1980’s around the time that the Photofold club was founded. As well as being one of our longest standing members, he gave so much to the club, serving on the committee for over 25 years including as Treasurer, Program Secretary and also as Chairman in the early 1990’s. Ian remained a member of the club until he passed away in May and, although he was unable to attend meetings in recent years, he retained a keen interest in news from the club. Ian’s memory will always be associated with the club as one of our exhibition awards, The Helen Wiseman trophy, is named after his daughter, Helen, who passed away at the age of 16. The club is where it is today thanks to people like Ian and we remember him fondly.

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Here follows a tribute to Ian from his family.

 

"I have been very lucky and have led an amazing life."

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Ian was born and raised in Manchester where he attended Manchester Grammar School having won a scholarship.  At 18, Ian relocated to London joining Barclays International, a position that gave him the opportunity to travel. His twenties were spent living in Hamburg, Nigeria, Trinidad, Barbados and Grenada.

Married to Margaret for over 60 years, they had two daughters, Sue and Helen, who sadly died when she was 16.  Ian also enjoyed his two grandchildren, Mille and Henry.

Ian seized the opportunity to retire in his early 50s.  He was able to attend Queen Mary University of London where he achieved a first-class honours degree in Medieval History.

Early retirement gave Ian the opportunity to indulge his hobbies including cycling, golf and, his great passion, photography.   Ian enjoyed being a member of Photofold for over 40 years and was immensely proud when he was admitted as a member of the Royal Photographic Society.

It was through photography that enabled Ian to join The Savage Club. A club in London founded in 1857 whose members were from the arts, drama, law, literature, music and science. It was here that Ian enjoyed varied talks, jazz and dinners with likeminded members.

Having lived in Billericay for over 50 years, Ian was grateful to be able to give something back and served as a governor at Buttsbury Infant School for many years.