A NAILSEA man who was well-known in the town’s art and theatre world has died.

Graham Bartlett - known as Bart to his friends - moved to Nailsea in 1990 and single-handedly renovated his new home and garden.

He previously lived in Bedford where he worked in the design team at Hunting Engineering, specialising in Ministry of Defence (MOD) projects.

On moving to Nailsea, he spent two years designing helicopters for Westland in Yeovil.

Graham built his career in engineering following three years in the Royal Corps of Signals in the 1950s and 10 years of night school after his demob.

In his spare time he was a huge fan of the outdoors, with a keen appreciation of an ordnance survey map, and enjoyed planning group walks for the Bristol Ramblers and Nailsea and District Footpath Groups.

He said walking helped to keep him ‘lean, mean and magnificent’ and he clocked up around 6,000 miles with one of his closest friends Nigel Guy.

Graham covered most of the national trails after moving to the area.

Nigel said: “I remember losing him down a hill once, he was a bit muddy but he saw the funny side, he always did. He was a lovely bloke he’d do anything for you.”

Graham had a creative side and was a regular face at the art club in Nailsea Fire Station’s community room.

He also loved drama and was a member of Nailsea Theatre Club, which gave him a real sense of belonging and purpose in the town.

He acted on stage and also provided backstage support during more than 20 years of membership.

Graham made a huge number of friends in the club and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Graham suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and cancer in his later years and died at Mill View Nursing Home in West Sussex on October 23 aged 77.

Nailsea Theatre Club, in Union Street, will be holding a special event to remember Graham’s life at 8pm on November 28.