28th November 2020
It is with a heavy heart, and great sadness, that I write to inform you that Andy has passed away. Having been admitted into hospital for a fall and pneumonia at the beginning of November he subsequently contracted Covid-19. Despite his heroic battle he succumbed to this dreadful virus on 28 November.
Andy was very proud to be a member of the Disabled Ramblers and constantly reminded people about his affiliation to the aims and work of the group. He loved the camaraderie of the rambles that he/we went on and also thoroughly enjoyed planning, and taking the helm of, the walks that he organised on Bredon Hill. , Andy’s wife, Linda
Farewell my friend, we’ll all miss our walks up Bredon hill and our Boxing Day get-togethers, rest in peace Andy. Love Ron, Deb, Nigel, Jordan & Jake Godsall. Xxxx
For the last few years, I’ve met up with Andy, on a monthly basis, to explore and enjoy, with him, the wonderful views atop Bredon hill, and to experience untold adventures, negotiate challenging terrain, (category 5 or 6 I would suggest, at times, for those of you who know about the grading of rambles!) and benefit, massively, from his knowledge, expertise and uncomplicated, genuine friendship….(and that of his dear wife, Linda, who we would face time at lunch time, from our picnic stop, to reassure her all was well!).
As well as the astounding views we also witnessed deer and other breathtaking wildlife throughout the day, and travelled through the picturesque cotswold stone villages … where Andy was recognised and spoken to, with great fondness, by all who met and knew him.
It was evident to me how well known and respected he was amongst his neighbours and how popular, as a pleasant and well mannered character.
He never stopped talking, fondly and with joy, about his family…showing me the cottage where he and Linda lived when they first married, as we went by, and mentioning, with great admiration, his son, daughter and grandchildren.
His knowledge of the routes and environment was impressive…along with his ability to detour and find alternatives, if necessary.
It was evident he was a popular chap amongst the landowners, who all greeted him from their tractors or in person, and who had entrusted him with codes for gates and keys, if needed, so we could enjoy a circular and varied route each time.
Andy was an absolute pleasure to be with. He was kind, easy mannered, polite and fun…and would laugh at my dog, Barney, as he always tried to ‘steal’ Andy’s gloves if opportunity arose!
He was an absolute gentleman with a great sense of humour and zest for life, despite his ‘disabilities’.
I am deeply saddened that Andy has left us…and will miss him, along with our wonderful days out, exploring, more than words can say. (And so will Barney).
It was an absolute privilege to be Andy’s ‘rambling’ buddy and to have him as one of my dear friends, always ready to listen kindly and without judging, and to help as much as he possibly could…
(My only consolation is that dear Linda has suggested that we could, maybe, go up “the hill” together, instead…sometime.)
It won’t be the same without Andy…but we will always carry him with us in our hearts when we go… and I feel privileged to have known and enjoyed his wonderful company and to have been called his friend. Jo Franks
Andy ran several excellent and exciting rambles for us on his beloved Bredon Hill which many of you will remember – especially those who braved “The Drop”. Less well known is his work with land owners and Worcestershire CC to get better access for all onto the hills.
He climbed the steep paths to the summit of Bredon Hill at least once a week and is the only person I know to have worn out a Tramper! Andy will be sorely missed. John Cuthbertson
We were so sad to hear the news of Andy Jaynes. We only met him a few times but he was a force to be reckoned with! Loved the area where he lived in the Cotswolds and undertook very challenging routes, which we all enjoyed very much. It’s always such a shock when someone well known in DR passes away and he will be missed greatly by those of us who had the privilege and chance to meet him. Val & Bob
Bernard and I were so sorry to hear that Andy Jaynes has passed away.
Andy found the parking place for the MSU in Tewkesbury and we are all very grateful for that. He then went on to frequently check it to make sure it was still safe. I regularly emailed him before we took the MSU out on the National Rambles to let him know the dates when it would be out and returned to prevent him worrying that it had been stolen. Andy came to meet up with us at Tewkesbury on one occasion to have a chat and to try out one of the new Trampers to compare it with his own. We did worry whilst he was gone that he would like it too much and not bring it back, but of course he did return and was very impressed with its performance. We will both miss him. Judy & Bernard