Fundraiser "who gave so much" dies

Tuesday 21 December 2021

A frequent visitor to the Bailiwick who helped numerous local charities has died.

Barry Williams hosted numerous fundraising events locally, including cricket weekends in Herm and dinners attended by professional rugby players.

Charities supported by Mr Williams included The Lord's Taverners, Guernsey Sporting Dinner Club and Wooden Spoon.

He helped raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for local good causes. 

As well as compering events, he gave after dinner speeches, performed stand up comedy routines and acted as an auctioneer. 

Mr Williams' son, James, announced his father's death on social media. He described his father as "a big man in more ways than one". He said the funeral would be live streamed, making it available online to friends in the Bailiwick. 

Pictured: Barry Williams was well known in local sporting circles and his charitable efforts raised considerable sums for local good causes.

David Piesing, founder of the Sports Tourism Action Group, who describes himself as a 'cricket nut', paid tribute to Mr Williams. He said Mr Williams "gave so much to several major Guernsey charities over several decades". 

Really sad to learn of the passing at the weekend of Barry Williams, a brilliant compère, comedian and sports fanatic who gave so much to several major Guernsey charities over several decades, including the Lord’s Taverners, Wooden Spoon and Guernsey Sporting Dinner Club. 1/2

— David Piesing (@DavidPiesing63) December 20, 2021

Pictured: When news of Barry Williams' death was announced, many of his friends in the Bailiwick shared memories of his fundraising efforts.

Mr Williams' last trip to Guernsey was prior to the covid-19 pandemic. He attended the last Herm Cricket Weekend organised by The Lord's Taverners, which routinely raised tens of thousands of pounds to help disadvantaged youngsters participate in sports.

Toni Clayton, past President of the Guernsey branch of The Lord's Taverners and co-organiser of the Herm Cricket Weekend, said: "It's very sad news. Barry helped to raise a lot of money for The Lord's Taverners in Guernsey and helped make so many of our events successful."

Pictured top: Barry Williams, a popular comedian, event host and fundraiser.