Anthony Seymour Forde was born on 26 August 1958 in Barbados. I was born a year later and from birth, we were inseparable. We shared the same cot and did everything together; from playing cricket, to fishing, looking after animals, but most of all enjoying the sea. Tony attended St Stephen’s Junior School and I followed a year later. On my first day, Tony was quick to defend his younger brother. To Tony’s annoyance, another schoolboy had placed chewing gum on the back of my trousers. He really wanted to teach him a lesson and my cousins all supported the cause. Not only was Tony a family man from a young age, he also had a passion for Cricket. He was the Cricket captain for our primary and secondary school, Ellerslie. Being competitive by nature and sharing a sibling rivalry…I played too! Tony went on to playing for the Belfield (regional cricket level) and his commitment for cricket continued into his older years, playing for Catford Wanderers. We went religiously to every match….no rain sleet or snow could stop us. We were committed cricket players, even in the UK and our sisters and cousins would always come to support. Soon after starting secondary school, we were told that our mother and my brother Steven were coming to Barbados to see us. When they arrived, it was love at first sight….I thought my mum was an angel. Tony and I were overwhelmed by their presence. Steven would tell us stories of our dad and twin sisters, Sandra and Sylvia. We had an instant bond with Steven and we took him to every place imaginable and encouraged him to get himself in all sorts of trouble. To our surprise, we were told that we were going to live in England with our family. Tony and I were excited but sad to leave our friends and family behind. Coming to England was a terrifying experience to say the least. They opened the aeroplane cabin to a sea of snow and grey clouds! Tony and I were too scared to come out…we have never seen weather like that before. We were used to blue skies, a beaming Sun and yellow sand! We were excited to take our very first train ride home from the airport. We had our faces pressed against the glass window in amazement. This was short lived……. , as another train was passing in the opposite direction at high speed and the force of it violently vibrated our cabin! Traumatised, Tony and I fell to the floor and wouldn’t come out from under the seats. We didn’t know what was going on…but there was no going back. This was our new home! Tony always loved to shake a leg; he always knew all the latest dance moves and could do the funky chicken and the splits like no other. He won many disco dance competitions, which was the highlight of many of our weekends. Tony’s music interests went from the dance floor, to the stage where he performed with his Group and then DJ booth where he became a real soundman. Tony was all about love, loyalty, positivity and most of all he was a whole lot of fun. I will always love Tony and part of him, our memories will never leave me. Love your brother Richard xx