It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Barry Lakeman, host of 'Blues with Barry' and other shows on Groove for around 8 years. Barry died of Cancer on the afternoon of Sunday the 9th of January.
As well as a broadcaster on Groove and other stations previously, Barry was an R & B and Blues musician, Blues enthusiast, quiz writer, IT Project Manager, playwright, actor, friend, car rally organiser and navigator, train enthusiast, magazine maker, father, brother, husband, uncle, lover of life and questions and theatre, and much more.
Thank you Barry so much for all you've given to Groove over the years; the talent, wit, musical knowledge, professionalism, humour, enthusiasm and dedication to the station. The longest standing member of the team apart from the Coffebar kid and myself. I always appreciated you manning the fort on-air when others of us were broadcasting down at the beach or at the Organic river festival etc. You are already sorely missed from Groove and will be dearly missed by me personally.
Dean Conland - Groovemiester.
A public memorial service was held at Downstage Theatre. In great Barry style it featured excerpts from his plays including the premiere of a short play he wrote in the last few months.
