It is with great sadness that we must report the passing of Anthony Bernard "Tone" Beard, well known and much respected member of the Supporters' Association. To many people Tony was simply "Mister Groudle", and prior to the commencement of restoration in 1982 he was (and remained until his death) a leading light of the association as a whole. Although he had been ill for quite some time, he never lost his enthusiasm for the railway and kept fully up to date with all the current matters, despite not attending the meetings since late last year.  As well as being the face of the G.G.R., he was a very close friend to everyone on the committee and well-respected on the island he made his home.

The committee pass on their collective thoughts to his widow Lynda and his family; not only have we lost a mentor but a close friend; it is extremely sad to reflect that its less than twelve months since we lost our treasurer Harold Flavell, at which point it was said that Groudle will never quite be the same place again.  To have to say this again so soon, with just the same amount on sincerity is indeed a sad moment but those who knew Tone will understand that the void left by his absence is one that will never truly be filled.  Indeed, the first Sunday down the glen after his passing was truly a subdued one.

A full report and tributes will follow in the next issue of Manx Steam Railway News which is in the process of being compiled at the moment.  Anybody who wishes to share their thoughts of Tony in this issue should send their comments to the editor, whose details appear on the contacts page of this site.