Grantham Marks & Spencer honours former colleague Barry Williamson with memorial bench by Roll and Scroll

A supermarket stalwart has been memorialised with a new bench.

Grantham's Marks & Spencer has honoured former staff member, Barry Williamson, with a memorial bench unveiling.

The staff and patrons initiated the gesture as a testament to Barry's community impact.

Barry, cherished among customers and colleagues, died last September.

Having worked at the High Street M&S before briefly relocating to the Newark store, he returned to Grantham when M&S established a new presence in the area.

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Adam Kennedy, one of the store’s managers, paid tribute to him.

“Barry was very well-loved in the store. When customers came into the store, it was very rare if he didn’t know them.

“He used to call everyone flower, petal and was known for telling customers ‘mind how you go’.

Barry had also previously run a record shop in Westgate.

The memorial project gained momentum through online posts and customer fundraising efforts.

Contributions poured in, reflecting the profound respect and affection many held for Barry.

The bench, crafted by Chris Kennedy at Roll and Scroll, has a backdrop of flowers and is adorned with the phrase fondly associated with Barry: "Mind how you go."

Adam said this reflected Barry’s sense of humour and personality.

On Friday last week (February 16), the community gathered for the unveiling ceremony.

Among those present were Barry's family—his wife Lesley and sons Niall and Thomas.

The occasion, graced with radiant sunshine, offered a poignant moment of reflection and remembrance.

Adam expressed gratitude for the support: "We’ve been overwhelmed by customers' generosity in raising money for Barry’s Bench."

"Barry lived and breathed M&S, and was renowned for his ability to remember all the product codes, especially for butter.

“His favourite aisle was Traditional Meals, and it feels strange not seeing him at the till."

Reflecting on the event, Adam remarked: "He may not long be with us but has certainly not been forgotten and is so missed by his M&S family and customers."

The bench serves as a tangible symbol of Barry's legacy—a legacy rooted in warmth, kindness, and community spirit.