Alan Barker

Alan Barker

Growing up in the north of England I attained Queen’s Scout and Duke of Edinburgh gold award status and always wanted to be a policeman.  In 1966 I became a police cadet and 1968 a constable in the (then) Cumberland Westmorland & Carlisle City (now Cumbria) Constabulary on the beat in historic Penrith.  Later posted to motor patrol riding my 650cc BSA A.10, escorting wide loads on the first six miles of under construction M.6 Penrith by-pass, and on other days, patrolling my ‘back yard,’ the beautiful English Lake District.  In 1969 I attended the Lancashire County police advanced driving course, obtaining First Class Certification.

 Police motor cyclist escorts wide load on the M6

I heard that a PC Peter Moore had recently left the Bermuda Police and rejoined CW & CC and he told me that Sgt. Clive Donald was about to visit his mother in a nearby town.  I made contact and met with Clive.  Subsequently I applied and in April 1970 landed in Bermuda along with Les Pearson, Graham Maddocks, Terry Warrilow, Peter Treves, John Baxter, John Broadbent, and Bob Payne  (R.I.P Terry and Peter).

 Early days at Admiralty House.

During our Localization Course we were told by two Sergeants (no names) not to get too involved with the ‘locals’??  As you know, I did not listen, in 1972 I married a St David’s Islander P.C. Gertie Cannonier and had two terrific sons, Che and Ty.  Also, during the early years I was seriously into golf, running, football, cricket, hockey, bowling and tennis. Became friends with National coach Clive Longe, former Olympic decathlete, assisting him with athletics at the stadium. Never anticipated his sad end.

The photo below shows Commissioner ‘Nobby’ Clarke presenting the trophies for the final of the police singles tennis tournament at Prospect.  I played against the wily and talented Insp. Arthur Rose.  I took the first set by running and chasing every shot but, in the 2^nd and 3^rd sets Arthur ran me ragged, kicked my butt and won the match.  Arthur Rose was one of the nicest people you would want to meet.

  

Played field hockey with the police team in the league at Nationals and was selected for the Bda National team. On one of our overseas trips we won against the US team, probably because they were used to playing on astroturf and this tournament was on grass. Also formed a Police softball team.  Helped organise police interdivisional track and field sports day at police field, where I won the 100, 200 and 400m sprint races, with a close second to Jeff Payne in the 800. 

 Then there was rugby, not a sport I played, but Paul Field approached me to play wing, knowing I would be motivated to run like hell when I had the ball to avoid being tackled by the huge backs. He was right, I never really got hit.  The 7 aside I enjoyed as there was more space to kick and run.

I competed in the Bermuda 24th of May half marathon many times and both boys became the youngest to ‘run' as I was the first to push a baby stroller.  I just added a 1/2 to my race number.  Neither one of them saw the whole race as they usually fell asleep about 20 minutes in.  They were around 2 or 3 years old at the time.

In later years I formed the Bermuda In-Line Skating Association along with Elmore Warren and subsequently we became part of the 24th of May race.  Waited for the cyclists to pass and before the runners left Somerset, we started our 10 mile skate from Hog Bay Level finishing on Cedar Avenue in Hamilton. 

Royal Gazette photo

I was President of the In-Line Skating Association  when the  Bulls Head Car Park was completed, and after the Opening Ceremony we organised races and displays on the Car Park's top level. The above photo show myself on the right along with Mayor William  Boyle (centre),  Corporation of Hamilton Secretary Roger Sherratt, and my son 12 year old Ty Barker proving in-line skating is a  high flying sport.

A ‘claim to fame’ was a win in the annual Port Royal Four Ball golf tournament.  I was off 6 with my playing partner, one handicapper Scott Mayne (Mayne’s Furniture).  Over the two day 36 holes, we won with a -2 gross.  My first hole in one came with a 7 iron, into the wind on the 17^th during a Belmont Invitational tournament.  Coincidently won closest to the pin competition.  I shot 73 that day.  My second, albeit unofficial hole in one, came during a police tournament at Southampton Princess golf course.  I was playing along with Sgt. Stanley Hill who had been complaining about his 5 iron all the way around. On the 16^th hole I said “Let me try that”.  I cleaned off the face, teed a ball, hit it and put it right in the hole.  Handing it back I said “There’s nothing wrong with that club”. (Does anyone remember who the other 2 in the foursome were)? Now on my return trips to Bermuda I look forward to playing with my son Che.

I should include another event, I don’t remember the occasion, I believe it was at the BHS field, among other things organised for students by Roger Sherratt was the raw egg catching contest. Each student had a partner standing opposite each other, with every catch they took a few steps back, it wasn’t long before all the kids’ eggs were scrambled.  That’s when Roger had one last egg and standing 20-30 yards away from me, threw it really high in the air. I caught it and threw it back.  No one ended up with egg on their face… the crowd went wild!  Claim this as the Bermuda raw egg long distance throwing record. 

Work was really a minor distraction to all the sport!

Les Pearson and I didn't stay on the Hamilton beat long, transferring to Traffic.  One day Insp. Ernie Moniz told me to go on radar. I said I didn't think radar was real policing as I was used to catching speeders on my bike or in a patrol car.  At that point, what I was thinking was said out loud “The radar gun could end up in the harbour”.  As ‘punishment’ I ended up in Ops for several days. 

Next posting was Cycle Squad under Sgt. Tom Cassin chasing the ‘Diddlybops’.  That was fun and a great way to see the whole Island.  On a recent visit to Bermuda in 2023 I stopped by the Cycle Museum in Dockyard.  I wondered how many of those exhibits: Moby’s, Cyrus, Zundapps, Lambretta and Vespa’s we had impounded back in the day?  Well worth a visit. 

After a successful stint in Cycle Squad, many arrests and recovering stolen bikes and parts, I was moved to Central CID as a detective and later became part of the team investigating Commissioner Duckett and the Gov. Sharples murders.  Memorable times working with Dennis Ramsay, Carlton ‘Socky’ Adams, John Harvey and others.  

In 1977 I was sent on an International Criminal Investigation course in England along with Sinclair White.  

Whilst in court, like everyone, prior to giving evidence you start with the oath.  Which always bothered me, I realised I didn’t need to swear to a nebulous source to tell the truth.  So, thereafter I gave the affirmation.  After which a local reporter named Allen Jones(?) congratulated me “I’ve never heard a police officer affirm before.”  I must say, it did feel good, I was out, no longer a closet atheist.

Later transferred to Western CID with DS Dave Barber, Dai Thomas and Dai James.  Good guys.  One day DS Barber and I were chasing a stolen moby through Somerset when the rider dropped the bike and ran. I chased on foot and DS Barber radioed Ops for assistance. I heard the reply on my radio (might have been David Kerr?) “There isn’t anyone faster, so who are we supposed to send?”  Best commendation ever. Two minutes later I called Ops “21….15 Whiskey.” (Prisoner in custody, going back to the station).  Spending time at the Somerset Police Club also improved my darts game.

In 1976 ‘The Deep’ movie crew were shooting scenes in the area. We and some of the film crew built a 12-foot Jaws like shark for the non- mariner’s race.  It must have been quite a sight as we walked through Somerset to Mangrove Bay carrying the great white all you could see were legs and flippers.  Anyone have any photos of this event?

EDITORS NOTE -  As a result of Alan's appeal for photos of the "Jaws"entry in the 1976 Non-Mariners Race,  I searched through old copies of the Police Magazines, which can now be viewed here on our ExPo website  (CLICK HERE to find them) and discovered the photo below along with an entry in Western Division notes that read as follows:-

"Amidst "Top Secrecy, Dave Barber, Alan Barker, George Jackson, and "Dai" Thomas combined to put up a good showing in the annual "Non-Mariners Race" at Mangrove Bay, with their version of 'Jaws'. "Dai" Thomas confided to me later that he had never drunk as many beers before!  It's amazing what the sea air can do to give you a thirst!  On a finishing note, the single men are hoping to return from the exile of Ireland Island before Christmas. Apparently P.W.D. are hoping to have the new look Boaz Island Barracks renovated by then.

I was granted Bermuda Status in 1978.

In May 1978 attended an Instructional Techniques Course at Police training school in Prospect, six months later completed an advanced Instructional Techniques Course in Ottawa. Transferred as Acting Sgt. to Training School taking over from Sgt. Jeff Payne.  Was Drill Sgt, Physical Training Instructor, First Aid Instructor, Firearms & Weapons training and lecturer on various subjects.  Good times with Inspector Barrie Meade, Sgt Tony Smith, Sgt John Harvey and Norman Ingemann.

Obtained the UK Royal Lifesaving Society teacher’s certificate in 1979.

Promoted to Sergeant in 1979.

Back to Ottawa for a Fitness Leadership Course in ’80.

As a continuation of my training, in 1980 I attended a Special Tactical Firearms course held at the FBI Academy, Quantico, Virginia.  That was some serious ‘fun'.

Returned to Ottawa in 1981 for the Canadian Heart Foundation CPR instructor’s course.

Also, in 1981 the US Govt. issued a decree that because of increasing terrorism worldwide and Bermuda having an International Airport, as well as US and Canadian bases, the Bda Govt had to create an Emergency Response Team, I returned to Ottawa for SWAT training with the RCMP.

Subsequently, a team was formed in Bda, and along with Stuart Kirkpatrick, Sgt Steve Petty, the Lindo brothers and others we went back to Ottawa for team training.  Coming from a country that did not allow guns, we impressed the Canadians with our shooting ability. 

 On our return, Sgt. Eddie (Boxhead) Foggo renamed ERT/SWAT team as the Fast Action Response Team a.k.a FART.  

Remained as Training School Instructor until 1983 when I had a run in with the then Commissioner.  He had his own ideas as to how the ERT should operate which ran contrary to my training and the RCMP experts with input from British Green Berets & SAS.  I told him his ideas/policies would potentially jeopardize the safety of the team and the public. He, ‘knowing best’ promptly transferred me to Hamilton as Watch Sgt.  

Soon after, I was put in charge of security at Govt. House with Gov. Viscount Dunrossil. In our varied discussions he mused, just between he and I, that my removal from ERT had been unjustified.  Nice guy, we got on really well.

Dunrossil at Government House

In 1984 I received an offer from friend and former Narcotics Det. Sgt. Paul Field to join him in his recently formed Safeguard Security Services (SSS) Ltd.

Never thought I would leave the Police, but Penny Bean had 9 years left until retirement, I had 10. I made the move.

Paul had quickly built up SSS to the second largest (now the largest) security guard force on the Island.  

Along with Chris Grimes and Philip Macintosh, under the umbrella of Safeguard we formed Bermuda Alarm Company and The Caribbean Investigative Network. I became a licensed P.I. was under 'Bermuda P.I.' in the Yellow Pages (never made it to Magnum P.I. tv status!)

In May of 1990 a retail client called to request we investigate ongoing thefts from their warehouse.  I attended and found my liaison to be office manager Libby Rego.  Suffice to say (did solve the case) divorced in ’92 and 34 years later Libby and I are still very happily Un-Married.

Libby and Alan - Then  ...

Among Safeguard's long list of clients were the Little Venice Group whom we represented in all security issues.  I was head hunted by Emilio and in 1997 joined their Group as Security/Property Manager.  Had some good years with Emilio, Jacky, the many Chefs and 26 different staff nationalities.  I lived at the former guest house, Buena Vista on Harbour Road, now Little Venice staff accommodations with my youngest son, Ty.  Buena Vista had its own dock so, one Hobie Cat and two jet skis later we were seriously back on the water, jumping the ferry wakes in Hamilton Harbour.  One day, Ty and I joined a 20+ jet ski group ride around the Island, starting at Dockyard with a break at Clearwater, a round trip of about 70 miles.  He was riding our 600cc racing Kawasaki with me on our Yamaha stand-up.  Awesome day.

My interest in wines led me to join the Chambre de Tastevin (loosely translated as ‘Bunch of Winos’) organized by Kevin Green of Bristol Cellar. During a tasting dinner where we sampled 14 different wines, with everyone’s various flowery wine descriptions, except for Libby who kept it simple - liked it or didn’t.  With our final course we sampled a Chateau d’Yquem (which I think is probably the ultimate in dessert wines), at this point the stuffiness of the evening quickly changed when Libby aptly and eloquently said “This is orgasmic”.  Everyone could only heartily agree.

Libby and I had been travelling to Wolfville, Nova Scotia, to visit her daughter, a student at Acadia University.  We really liked the area, reminded us of Bermuda way back in the day.  The taxes and winters became very apparent to us later!  The Wolfville B&B we had stayed in came up for sale, so in 2002 we bought it.  We got into cycling, hiking, snowshoeing, downhill and cross-country skiing.  I was enjoying the winters by then, including all the shovelling to get to the car, and in/out of the house.  We also had a canoe, two kayaks and explored the many local lakes during the summer.  More recently took up Pickle Ball, got quite competitive until my back and knees had other ideas.

Lobo & I … really miss him, went everywhere together.

People in the B&B industry told us that you usually last 5-7years and then get out.  We did 14.   In 2016 we sold the Inn and officially ‘retired’, although I’m still trying to figure out what that means.  

We had permanent residency for several years, then applied for and got Canadian Citizenship in 2013.  So now I’m English, Bermudian and Canadian.  Having lived in Bermuda (my favourite place) longer than anywhere else.  Good times…. 

Four dogs and many years later, even with Denice back in Bermuda and married to a Canadian who prefers sun to snow, we decided to stay in Nova Scotia.

We bought and renovated a 100+ year old property in the country with amazing 360 degree views. Around that time Canada legalized the growing of 4 marijuana plants per household.  I had heard of the potential medicinal benefits I hoped would work for my back and knee issues.  I applied for and obtained a medical marijuana growing licence.  

Grew quite a few plants over a couple seasons with a friend producing oils, gummies and other edibles.  Like cigarettes, I never smoked anything, but found no therapeutic benefits from any of these products, even commercially prepared CBD.  I now just grow one plant per year for esthetic and garnish reasons (see pic of my romaine soup dish), raw weed is basically tasty salad. 

After a few years I realized the maintenance was too much for my aching joints on the 1 1/2 acres of lawn and fruit trees, so we sold and moved back to Wolfville in a place designed for old farts…  All on one level with grab handles and someone else to cut the grass. 

‘Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened?”

We still enjoy cycling, but on e-bikes now (no throttle) and walk the neighbour’s dog every day (like grandkids, you can give ‘em back).

All the sport I played over the years resulted in 2 arthroscopic surgeries on both knees whilst in Bda and again here in Nova Scotia.  In 2022 I had one total knee replacement (still can’t do a full squat, probably just as well as I wouldn’t be able to get back up).  Have permanent back issues, I guess from Bermuda days - you can’t lift a jet ski by yourself!  Even so, I would do it all again with no regrets. 

‘I’m at an age where my mind says I can still do that. My body says try it and we’ll see what happens.…’

 I don’t get it - Yesterday I was young and very fit, now I’m ‘old’ …. (77) 😤

Update on our family:

Che is a Retail Sales Exec. with SOL (Esso) covering Bda and the Caribbean, frequent news presenter with Bermuda Broadcasting Company, also an accomplished actor with BMDS, Gilbert & Sullivan Society and had our first granddaughter Lola, a passionate dancer, who is in her final year at Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, the nation’s premier boarding school for the arts. Lola is taking a gap year before heading to university in the UK. 

Lib’s daughter Denice is a teacher at Bermuda High School, has three girls, twins Aunika and Freja who are avid footballers (represented Bda in the 2023 CFU U14 girls in Antigua) and runners (2024 half marathon relay team 3^rd overall, 1^stfemale team).  Nadija is involved in gymnastics and running, all 3 girls are exceptional (In-Motion School) dancers. 

Ty, after his dance career in Miami, married a dancer and obtained US citizenship, joined the Navy in 2012 and did several tours in the Gulf bombing ISIS while on the nuclear aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower.  In 2017 left the ship and continues in the Naval Reserves. Ty has subsequently trained and qualified as RN BSN, his new career. They also have a daughter, Penelope who at a very young age was proven to be an extremely talented ballerina, the youngest in the lead role of Clara/Marie (age 10) in a major production of the Nut Cracker at the Shea Theatre, Buffalo NY.  Penelope’s future is heading in the direction of the prestigious Royal Ballet School in London. 

 So yes, we have five amazing granddaughters and a family we are extremely proud of.

Libby checks the ExPo Bda FB and keeps me updated.  She’ll often ask me “Do you remember so and so?” - sadly so many are no longer with us. 

Hello and regards to those former colleagues and acquaintances I know/worked with.  Maybe see you next time I’m down.

Published December 2024