News

Barry Charman, a loved member of our staff since 2009, passed away 19 July, 2024, at the age of 75. Barry or Baz as he was known to us was a kind and generous person whose presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He was a worker, he was our first starter every morning without fail.  He'd arrive at 2.30am so that he could diligently get through the work that he had each morning before the arrival of the rest of the staff who might slow his progress and he made their load easier every day he was there.

These early starts would get him a jump on the day and get him finished with us early each morning before heading off to whatever other task was ahead for the day which on most occasion was more work whether at the Tweed River Jockey Club or other place where he could help and be of use to others.  There are stories of him having more jobs than even his closest family or friends knew about and that was just him.  Working and helping others was what set him apart as a person.





We understand that Baz trained a few horses along the way. The story goes that he trained for our great friend and a man who has given a large part of his life to racing Bernie Quinn and what a pair they would have been.  We can only imagine the back and forward between them at that time.  Great times for both of these great men we're sure.

2.30am is a hell of a time to start your day we know that, but Baz arrived every day with a smile, a story, a one liner and he was happy to share all of it.  He disarmed and relaxed the staff and they all looked up to Barry and the little words of encouragement he gave to the young ones when things felt tough for them were always greatly appreciated.

He will live on in the stories that we and the staff share, the lessons he imparted upon us and the love that he shared.







We heard him say "Que ser sera" hundreds of times at the stable of a morning and we think that summed Baz up pretty well.  He was exactly that with everything we saw of him.  Whatever will be, will be.

Rest in peace Barry. Your memory will forever remain with us.