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RICHARD DOWN
1961-2003
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It is my sad duty to announce that Richard Down, Managing Editor and Founder of Kaleidoscope Publishing, was found dead at 5.30pm on Saturday 28th June 2003. He had been missing from his home since the early hours of Tuesday morning. The thoughts of all the crew from Kaleidoscope Events and Kaleidoscope Publishing are now with his family.
If you wish to record any memories of Richard, you can now do so here on our In Memoriam page, which will remain on this site as a permanent tribute to our friend. Please send any condolence messages to richardmemorial@kaleidoscope.org.uk. We will ensure that all these comments are bound together and given to Richard's family on an ongoing basis.
Chris Perry,
Commissioning Editor,
Kaleidoscope Publishing
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Personal Memories of Dicky....
I first met Dicky in 1984. I over-heard Julian and Nigel talking about him, and thought I'd like to meet the man who returned the BBC's first Muffin the Mule print and episode one of The Likely Lads. We became firm friends. I remember visiting his tiny room in his parents' house. Two of us in a room smaller than a shoebox, joined by Jenny, Nigel, Michael,
Paul, Adrian, and his sister as we watched The Black Adder. I suffered six months of grumpiness while he gave up smoking, only to see him re-start after Murray Jackson got him drunk at Tellycon 2. I remember his move to Bedminster - the parties where he discovered vodka and lost his trousers. How could I forget the discovery that he had mould growing on his video collection! He spent hours cleaning every tape spool and lost only two tapes.... 6am on a Saturday morning, the second Drama Guide proof nearly printed and he types in the last entry - "Coronation Road".... and nobody noticed until the letters started arriving. Phone calls from Coppas when he was bored whilst on duty... wheeling supermarket trolleys full of Radio Times down Stourbridge's Lower High Street... taking it in turns to buy dinner from Al's Tikka Grill..... Being picked up from Temple Meads Station with a broken lock on the car door, so I held it shut while we drove back to Pill... The constant smoke, rave music and love of Doctor Who..... endless eccentricities.
He was a remarkable man. He could be idle to the point of being horizontally laid-back or hyperactive to the extent that in the first six months of this year he typed in 33% of the total data of the new Drama Guide.
To outsiders he appeared brusque, perhaps rude... grumpy and tired. Underneath he had a soft heart, was always there when you needed him, and frequently helped others quietly without any fuss.
He was also dedicated to the task of publishing the most accurate TV research possible. He once told me that the books were his "mark on history" and long after Leslie Halliwell is forgotten, we will keep Uncle Richard's name alive.
I spoke to him the Sunday before he disappeared. He seemed fine and was cursing my name for asking him to type in The New Adventures of Charlie Chan. Having spoken to Simon, Jenny and Nigel, we are determined that it will be business as normal for Kaleidoscope - it is what Richard would have wanted. He's probably sitting on a cloud now, wondering what all the fuss is about, urging me not to be sentimental and stop writing this obituary. He's probably amused that I'll now have to type in the cast for The Adventures of Robin Hood on my own. "That'll serve you right, Perry... " he'll be murmuring as he sips his cup of tea...
I shall miss him terribly. He was my closest friend. I still expect him to call any moment and tell me that he's corrupted some more data by mistake. But he won't call. I will never forget him. R. I. P. Uncle.
Chris Perry
Co-founder of Kaleidoscope
Chris has very eloquently expressed exactly why Richard meant so much to all of us. He was one of life's all too rare characters, an eccentric and enthusiast in the best sense, and someone who did truly leave his "mark on history" as well as on all our lives.
I first met Richard in 1987. Relatively new to the TV scene in those distant days, I was somewhat awed by the prospect of being introduced to such a major figure who had, after all, been returning missing prints to the archives while most of the rest of us were still in secondary school. Having expected some sort of self-obsessed business-suited sharp shooter, the sight of Richard, a gentle, unassuming, slightly dishevelled figure with long, tousled hair, beard, infectious laugh and an everpresent twinkle in his eye was certainly not what I expected, and neither was his natural habitat. He lived in his own unique form of organised chaos (he once told me: "I hate uniformity, I hate neatness") and never have I seen so many papers, magazines, video tapes, VCRs and miscellaneous other bits and pieces packed into so small a space as was his tiny room at his parents' house in Pill! I was quickly offered a cup of tea and a chance to see some flickering, old Doctor Who episodes recorded off Australian TV - amazing stuff, back in the day. On another occasion, I remember Richard - like me, a huge Kate Bush fan - searching for hours through boxes of paper for all his old magazine cuttings on Kate, which he then generously gave to me and I still have to this day. Within a few visits, I was "Uncle Adrian", the sign of Richard's acceptance of anyone into his circle of close friends.
Years ago, in that cramped room in Pill, I remember flicking through an A5 booklet Richard had put together, transmission dates and episode titles for a lot of popular science fiction and fantasy shows. This really was an amazing little marvel and little did we all know (or as Richard would probably say, little did he know what he was letting himself in for) where it would ultimately lead. From this little acorn sprang the entire Kaleidoscope publishing operation and this is just one aspect of the huge and invaluable contribution Richard has made to our group, all along and right from the beginning.
Richard was an intensely modest man who would never take the credit he deserved for anything. He had a major influence on the development of our events - from his early days as our frazzled Chief Steward, trying to keep his sometimes unwilling minions in check, to livening up many a Reception Desk with his fun and humour - and set up and ran the publishing side, but always preferred to remain behind the scenes. He would never agree with this, but I think it's fair to say that without Richard Down, Kaleidoscope would not exist in its present form or be thriving as it still is after all these years. We carried forward many of the precedents he established, for accurate, unique research and continuing every effort to return lost treasures to television archives. Though from now on Kaleidoscope will always seem somehow incomplete and his shoes will never be filled, this work will continue in his memory. His life may have been tragically short, but it is a small comfort when you realise that in a hundred years' time, Richard's books will still be there on some dusty library shelf.
On a personal level, you couldn't help but to like Richard. Sometimes irascible, sometimes workaholic, sometimes lazy, one thing which always remained was his kind heart. He would always think of others and help you if you were in need. At times in the past when I have been unhappy, he always found the time to write to me or phone, just to see how I was. Once you'd gained his confidence, you had a good and loyal friend in the best sense. I valued this friendship highly and will miss him.
In recent years most of my contact with Richard has been by email, due to his concentration on the publishing side. People would often mistakenly write to me with enquiries about the books, and I would then forward their emails on to Richard. In his enthusiasm, Richard would quickly bash out an answer and then hit "Reply", sending the message straight back to me instead of the original author. It used to drive me mad, so we developed a code to help him out. If I'd altered the message so it would automatically redirect back to the original person, I'd put "Reply-To: set" in my note to Richard, so he'd know; it also served as a warning in case he didn't like what the person had written to stop him accidentally firing off any private comments indended for me straight back into the original author's inbox!
The Saturday after he disappeared, three emails from his old account appeared suddenly in my inbox. As usual, they'd come straight back to me instead of the intended recipient. All very old and obviously the result of someone else looking through his computer, but once the shock had receded, I like to think that that was Richard's goodbye to me.
Farewell Uncle Richard, you may be gone but you will not be forgotten.
Reply-To: not set.
Adrian Petford
Co-founder of Kaleidoscope
I only met Richard in late 1999 when I got involved with Kaleidoscope, helping along with the 1990's Top of the Pops leg of the "latest" music section of the guide.
I found him a really honest, caring, patient, busy man, who took his own time out to visit me around my 30th birthday, and give me a tape of the corresponding TOTP show, 29/01/70.
When we first met, he was surprised to find another "enthusiast" and chatted for a time on the history of the show. Richard often told me the progress on the book, and his subsequent visits to the Beeb.
Richard, you will be sadly missed my friend...
Pete
I first met Richard when I bought my copies of the Kaleidoscope guide books almost a couple of years back. Since I found out he lived near-by, I asked if I could collect them in person (to save on postage!), and he agreed. We got chatting about old TV, and got on well and exchanged a few emails afterwards (and since we kept in touch I was always terrified I'd spell Kaleidoscope wrong and look a fool! But he never mentioned it if I did), and when I found out about the drama guide update I offered to help out with that too, and so we met and chatted a few more times and although I can't say I knew him that well, I'd say I could still call him a mate. I didn't get many chances to chat to people in person about archive TV, but I spent a few hours at his flat talking about old shows, and being shown programmes I thought I'd never get to see.
I know that people who collect TV shows can be extremely protective of their collections, but Richard let me borrow his original tapes, and books and papers he had, and didn't ever want anything in return - it took a fair bit of persuading before he agreed to accept a replacement I could give him for a tape of his that had somehow got damaged (and no, it wasn't me who did it!). He just liked to share his enthusiasm, and spread the word about forgotten classics. He was very helpful, happy to answer what other experts might have considered "dumb" questions, and as many others have said was a very genuine person, and a real character. And since I wasn't having the best time in my life when I met him, it was a definite help that someone was prepared to give me their time and take me seriously.
I've still got another email for him in the draft folder, that I hadn't finished yet. Maybe it's silly, maybe it's cliched, but I can't bring myself to delete it. I think I'll just leave it where it is.
John R
Uncle Richard
I knew Richard through a good friend of mine, Murray Jackson, and I always made the effort to meet up with or phone him whenever I was in the UK (I visited the UK several times during the 1990s).
He always called me "Uncle" Jon, a term of endearment I discovered he'd call everyone he knew. But it always brought a smile to my lips. I recall staying at his parents house in Pill having driven with him all night down from Birmingham back in 1990, and on a later visit in 1993 drinking copious amounts of tea at his flat in Bristol.
He was always knowledgeable about TV and films, and he even sold me his entire Doctor Who scripts collection, and gave me spare copies of the Radio Times he had lying around.
My last direct contact with him was via email back in April 2003 when I was trying to track down some info on an obscure TV series. He knew the answer - of course!
Cheers Richard
You'll be missed
Jon Preddle
New Zealand
All of us in the Television Acquisitions section of the National Film and Television Archive are shocked and saddened to learn of Richard's untimely death. His passion for, and dedication to, vintage television ensured that the Kaleidoscope guides which he edited were a much-used resource for us.
We send our condolences to his family and friends.
Pam Rostron
Assistant Keeper of Television, British Film Institute
I never met Richard, nor did I know much about him personally. However I do know of his work with Kaleidoscope and archive television. This is not what inspired me to write. The sheer volume of internet posts and tributes on numerous sites by friends and colleagues show how truly loved this man was and is. It is a very sad loss to all areas of many fandoms.
My condolences to his family and friends in this difficult time.
Andrew T Smith
I first met Richard in 1983. He has been a dear friend.
I and many others knew him with affection as Great Uncle Richard.
A good friend and uncle to all.
Anthony Hampton
Richard was always a pleasure to talk to - so full of enthusiasm. His standard of research and dedication is something which we can all aspire to. My deepest sympathy and thoughts are with his friends and family.
Andrew Pixley
I just can't believe Richard won't be around anymore.
Having lived at Ashton Gate for twelve months Richard kept me highly amused, crashed the cigarettes, probably smoked more than I did and watched my back when I was being a naughty girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Richard will be dreadfully missed.
Victoria Perry
Tea at Ashton Towers
I first met Richard in the early eighties when our common involvement in Doctor Who local groups, he in Bristol and myself in Swindon brought us into contact. I liked Richard straight away, he was genuine, intelligent and generous. He spoke his mind, sometimes almost to the point of rudeness, you always knew where you stood with Richard. He always worked in the background, he'd never accept the credit but without him many things would never have got organised, he was the centre of so much.
When I moved to Bristol eight years ago I'd lost touch with Dicky and the gang for a while. One afternoon I bumped into Richard in Bedminster, he was so pleased to see me and invited me back to Ashton Road for a cuppa. Nigel was there and Richard ushered me in with a huge smile and a cry of "look who I've found! - Auntie Mary!". That warmness with which he welcomed me and others is something I will always treasure.
When I travelled to Australia last year it was Richard that gave me a lift to the Bus Station at 1am, I didn't ask him, he offered, he was like that.
Dicky, you were a great friend, you made a fab cup of tea, you won't be forgotten.
Mary Milton
I can't believe I'm sat here writing this in 2003, at least 40 years too early...
I met Richard in 1996, when a chance visit led me to the Kaleidoscope stand at a Memorabilia fair at the NEC. I rashly volunteered my services for the next Kaleidoscope event, and when I got there, tired and bedraggled after a long train journey from Oxford, his first words to me were "you must be mad"..! Mad, possibly, but it was a decision I have never regretted. I've been involved with Kaleidoscope for seven years now, and Uncle Richard has always been such a central part of it, that it seems inconceivable that we'll never see him again.
I last saw Richard just over a week before he disappeared; we spent a couple of hours going through piles of his tapes looking for bits of old continuity. This was something he didn't particularly have any interest in, but he was happy to help me out, as he was always happy to oblige when anyone came to him with obscure questions about archive holdings for
long-forgotten ABC drama series, or 1960s BBC Schools programmes. However, I felt extremely guilty putting him to so much effort, and spent most of the evening apologising, but he simply said "if I didn't want to do it, I would be sitting here". In the end, he suggested we spend a couple of Saturdays going through the tapes together, an incredibly kind offer to give up so
much of his precious time, but sadly we never got the chance to arrange anything.
In this kind of situation, it often seems like a cliche to say things like "he was a wonderful bloke", and "he'll be sadly missed", but Richard really was a wonderful bloke, and he really will be desperately missed, by a lot of people.
Richard, mate, it was a privilege to have known you, I only wish it could have been for longer...
Rob Moss
Kaleidoscope
Sadly, I didn't know Richard personally. We e-mailed each other once, he was most helpful and efficient. I'm full of admiration for his work and his commitment to the cause, but more importantly I'm deeply moved by the reactions of those who knew him well. My thoughts are with his friends and family. I share your grief.
Werner Schmitz
Cologne, Germany
Whilst I did not know him well, he touched the life of a good friend.
And in his sadness, I am so sorry that Richard has gone.
Anthony will miss you Richard, as will all your good friends.
John Putland
Over twenty years, Richard was almost certainly the most committed archivist of British TV that British TV neither respected or deserved.
I loved the disparaging way he'd kick his old VCR into functioning, while puffing on the ubiquitous fag. A received look of unease would be met with silence apart from that inscrutable, cat-like grin.
A private man who always adhered to his own advice above anyone else's, the manner of his passing is very much in keeping with the character.
I'll miss you, old fella.
Mark Andresen
Freelance Writer
My memories of Richard are many and varied but usually involve tape trading, cigarettes and a bad temper (not always his). I will really miss Richard. He was a top guy. I know everyone says it but it is true in his case, it really
is. No more personal memories for me. It is too upsetting, but God love him. He was a top man.
Uncle Bobby
I first met Uncle Richard about 10 years ago, I did not know what to make of him at first and I was not even sure that I liked him, but first impressions are often wrong, and eventually I realised what an honest and lovely bloke he really was. I have lots of memories of Richard - I remember I told him I was into Star Trek the Next Generation and a few days later he turned up at my flat with two bin bags of videos!!
When I shared a house with Richard and Nigel, I can remember Richard always getting up at the last minute for work, I usually saw him in the living room half dressed with a cigarette in his mouth, it was pointless saying good morning as he usually replied with a grunt, but it was too tempting for me to resist and I went out of my way to be very happy and jolly in the mornings!!
Richard was also a bit of a PC wizard, and on one occasion my computer refused to do anything, of course I blamed my daughter Alana for switching it off before I had closed it down, Richard did not believe this excuse, and of course he was right not to believe me. Anyway, Richard spent a good 4-5 hours repairing my PC and this was not the first or last time.
Richard you were a lovely bloke and I miss you, I cannot believe you have gone and I will not be able to tease you anymore, but I was lucky enough to get to know you and you have left me with a lot of fun memories.
Love
Uncle Martin Ford
Although I didn't know Richard personally, I have attended most of Kaleidoscope's events since 1990 as well as purchasing the Kaleidoscope programme guides from him. There's very little I can think of to say in this situation other than to offer my condolences to Richard's family and friends.
I know Kaleidoscope has been actively involved in raising money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution for many years. I will be making a contribution to the RNLI as a '"thank you" to Richard and the work he did with Kaleidoscope in giving many people a great deal of enjoyment.
Ed Parsons
I think it was about 9 years ago when I first met Richard here in Bristol; he overheard me mentioning that I was a fan of "classic TV" and proceeded to quiz me about my interest. I was quite worried when I realised that he was something of an expert (to say the least) and thought I was going to show myself up as some ignorant fool! I need not have worried; one of the wonderful things about Richard was his interest in others and his generosity to his friends. In many ways Richard initiated me into the world of TV fandom and was always ready to help out with information and was always interested to hear my views. His sense of humour could sometimes be taken as spiky and a bit short tempered by those who didn't know him but he took as good as he gave from me, and laughed about it - I deeply respected him as a damned fine human being.
I have many memories of Richard, all of which are happy, in the early years of our friendship I often visited him and we spent many a long Saturday drinking endless cups of tea (I actually prefer coffee but it was always tea at Richard's house!), watching wobbly old black and white TV or talking about computers, he was always getting a better machine than I had and usually managed to upgrade before I did. I helped him out with the Kaleidoscope Publishing website and found him great to work with and always understanding when deadlines were inevitably missed. We spent many hours together sorting out the photographic layout for Inside Updown and Richard was always patient and reassuring when I cursed and moaned about the material or the software we were using. There were also the Xmas meals (these sometimes happened about six months after the event to my eternal amusement), the trips to the Midlands for Kaleidoscope events (Richard driving and smoking, me talking endlessly and Jenny putting up with the both of us!) and many other happy memories that I will long remember.
Over the last couple of years I sadly saw less of Richard than I would have liked to, pressures of work and family meant that I had few Saturdays spare to sit in his smoke filled room and watch old TV. We did, however, see each other when time allowed and I have particularly fond memories of how well Richard related to my little daughter (born in September 1999), he had a real affinity with her despite the sometimes curmudgeonly persona he sometimes presented to the world at large.
What perhaps makes the untimely loss of Richard even more poignant for me, and an event I truly will never forget, is that in the week of his death my second child was born; a little boy, born on Thursday the 26th of June - Richard's birthday.
Goodbye from "Uncle Roger".
Only knew Richard in passing many years ago, but strangely knew so many people who were friends of his, so almost felt I knew him.
Feel sorry for all his pals as I only heard positives amount him, they must have truly lost a friend.
I also recently found some old photos of a gathering of fans from the 80's and in the background is Richard. As I say we never really knew each other but through others I almost feel I did.
Regards,
Andrew Baker
Uncle - Much Missed
I've known "Uncle" Richard Down since 1985, meeting him first through Robert Hill and Paul Vanezis - and a hazy copy of Doctor Who - "The Monster of Peladon" from Australia on Betamax!! Then from 1986 onwards through mutual friends Christopher Perry and Adrian Petford.
I'll always remember "Uncle"'s world weary sarcasm, his laughter at obscene jokes, clouds of smoke billowing from his ever ready cigarettes, and his colourful usage of the English langauage (particularly directed against computer applications)!!
So many happy weekends spent at the various gaffes in Bristol he lived at, hot chillis, good conversation, plenty of laughs, and a fine memory for archival facts and figures.
Ever present at Kaleidoscope events, always helping at the reception desk in his own witty, cumudgeonly way - sometimes it's a wonder he didn't scare half the attendees away! But he was too dedicated and loyal to Kaleidoscope and all it stood for, but more importantly to his friends and housemates, to ever let the side down.
Although he sometimes denied it Doctor Who was one of his greatest loves and any new archival find was greeted with great enthusiasm and interest - a thirst to see any new material was unquenchable! It was a show that bought us all together initially, but I'm sure he'd like to be remembered for his wider knowledge of televisual delights.
So "Uncle" Richard I'll never again be able to witness you choking on your pint of lager after a particularly disgusting joke from myself, at a convention, and having to exit the room with tears of laughter streaming down your face.
I sincerely hope you're somewhere where all archive TV exists and you're having a whale of a time updating your video collection and getting all that research completed.
I'll miss you Uncle, it just won't be the same without you and those expletives!!
Darren Field
Kaleidoscope
I've known Richard for 19 years and he's one of those people you always expected to be around. On occasion I would ask Richard to copy something for me, or supply me with some data. It was Richard who helped me identify the Horne a Plenty recording recently from very scant information. He was also one of those great diplomats, someone who nobody ever had a bad word for and who became arbitrator to countless childish disagreements.
Richard was a stalwart of the eighties Doctor Who scene and I got to know him through the local groups. We became firm friends and it was through his interest in all things Time Lord and our mutual interst in archive TV that I and my cohorts embarked on the TellyCon conventions; we were pioneers and Richard was an integral part in helping me formulate a screening timetable for the first one. I recall hunting him down in the bar at the first event in April 1987 and begged him to come and see the tribute to Patrick Troughton we had planned. "Oh no Uncle Paul" he said, "It'll just be a ropey compilation of clips from 'The Moonbase'", and took another drag from his fag. When I informed him he was unlikely to have seen what we were going to
show unless he'd been watching BBC1 in 1967, a glint appeared in his eye; he later bought me one of many pints that day and was gushing in his praise.
The previous year, I needed a cast of thousands for my directorial debut. Richard became actor, costume designer and unit driver, collecting my Bristol cast and delivering them to Aldbourne in Wiltshire. Despite the most awful weather, Richard remained completely chilled and a good day was had by all. The result was awful; but I learned a lot and have footage of the whole thing including a lot of very amusing material with Richard.
Having those great memories of Richard is I hope of some consolation to his family. Richard does indeed live on in his work and in my thoughts and memories and although I know the world is worse for his passing, my memories
are some consolation to me. I hope that doesn't sound selfish, but it's all I have.
So long Richard,
Uncle Paul Vanezis
I can't remember exactly when I first met Richard. I think his reputation preceded him, and I'm sure I had a copy of his Telefantasy Guide - the springboard for the mighty publications he and Chris subsequently put together, and which I continue to use on a near-daily basis.
I can remember many a good chat at various events over the years, but we talked at length more in the last six months than ever before - his patience remaining intact as I tried to solve all the teething troubles of the new drama database.
His last email to me now seems frustratingly brief:
Subject: New format file
Uncle Simes,
Have attached as above.
Tricky
Thanks, Uncle.
Simon Coward
Kaleidoscope
I am very very sad to read this tragic news.
Richard was a good convention buddy of mine years back and we spent many a time talking about all kinds of classic telly.
He really was the nicest guy you could meet and I know there will be many many people mourning his loss.
So sad to think we'll never see him again, my thoughts are with his family and friends.
David Balston
I am very sorry to hear of this shocking news.
I never met the Gentleman but admired his Archive TV work and of course the indespensable Kal Guides.
My Condolences to his Family and Friends.
Mark
It is so hard to grasp that Richard has gone - that there won't be any more characteristic conversations or emails, that his dry, gentle but edgy comments won't be there at the end of the 'phone. From the work I did with Richard on the Kaleidoscope Drama, Comedy, Music and Variety guides and then from the colossal exercise of the Upstairs, Downstairs book, I quickly developed huge respect for his standards, capacity for detail and hard work - all on projects which were genuinely for the love and not the money. I often felt that Richard should have been employed by a company like the BFI or BBC - his diligence and care were commodities it is nigh on impossible to buy. Though often stubborn with his own quirks and take on things, Richard would always listen, debate and then frequently adapt and take on board other people's thoughts and suggestions.
Like others who have posted here, I saw another side of Richard when he visited my home and played with my children patiently and with innate skill - children can always suss the insincere adult paying mere lip service to them. Richard was never one of these. He could be as gentle and genuine as he could be abrasive and stubborn!
So of course he will be missed. But there can be no doubt that during his life he made a real difference to those close to him - and beyond - he was one of the good guys and his work with live on, helping to set a bench mark for whatever follows. And there are few of us who could wish for anything more.
Richard Marson
Kaleidoscope
Richard Down - the man we all knew as "Uncle" Richard - what can I say?
I was first introduced to this mysterious fella back in 1991, at the time when I was heavily into Doctor Who. I was visiting Nigel at his house, as I discovered he was the man who had lots of Doctor Who on video - at this time there wasn't so much available on the commercial market as there is now. Anyway, I was sitting in this room with Nigel and Martin. Suddenly in walks this longhaired, bearded guy called Richard wearing a green parka with a little brown briefcase. This briefcase contained videos of Doctor Who stories that I had never seen before, because they had not been released commercially at that time, and Richard was the man who had access to them all. He was, therefore, a very powerful man in my books!
Richard struck me as being quite abrupt, but I could tell this was probably because he was very shy when meeting new people. The strange thing was I found myself very much on my guard when Richard was in the room. I felt he was "sussing" me out, trying to found out who I was, and whether I was trustworthy enough to be accepted into this small group of Doctor Who tape collectors.
I told Richard that I really wanted to see these Pertwee "classics", which I had never seen, such as "Inferno", "Terror of the Autons" and "The Daemons". I think it was only my third meeting with Richard when he took me completely by surprise - he opened his briefcase, pulled out a videotape and handed it to me. It was his copy of "The Daemons" and he said "I'll let you borrow this!" I could not believe it! This man who hardly knows me has given me his "Daemons" tape! Aside from the thrill of finally getting the chance to view this story, I was overwhelmed that Richard felt he could trust me, bearing in mind he had only met me twice before. That is something that I will never forget - I don't think I have ever felt so trusted before. I also discovered early on that I trusted him as well - possibly more than anyone else I knew.
In 1992 I moved into a shared house with Richard and Nigel. I always remember those fond mornings when I would get up and get ready for work. I would walk into the living room to find an ashtray, which had been left on the sofa, piled high with fag ends. As a result I would enjoy getting my revenge in annoying Richard by hiding the ashtrays from him, until he would turn round to me and say "I'm not in the mood, Uncle Patrick!"
One night sometime during the following year I just happened to mention to Richard that I was always keen on making a series of amateur video productions around the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. I told him that this idea had been in my head for many years, but never got off the ground. Richard told me that if I was still keen on making them he would offer to do the camera work on them. Therefore, The Solitary Rambler as it ended up being called became a reality. Ten years later we are still making them, and although Richard's involvement became less frequent over the years, I know that they would never have been made in the first place if it wasn't for him.
So there you go, Uncle Richard. You were the man who lent me your "Daemons" tape and co-created The Solitary Rambler. More importantly, you were a real friend to me. Despite that gruff exterior of yours, you were the probably the nicest and most trustworthy bloke I have ever known. I will never forget you.
Cheers, me ol' mucker.
Uncle Patrick Leach
Richard - A Special Person
I met Richard in May 1984 and found the best friend I ever had and ever will have. No-one will ever replace him - he was unique. My life will not be the same without him.
Rest well Richard and be at peace.
love
Jenny
Courtesy of Chris and Adrian, I first met Uncle Richard about 16 years ago. A legendary figure in video collecting circles, he was particularly noticeable by his absence having, I believe, been partying the previous evening and not made it back to his parents. He eventually turned up in a particularly gruesome mood but by the end of our first meeting I had a tape to watch, a (still much treasured) early Telefantasy Guide and a new friend.
I cannot think of Uncle Richard without a smile erupting on my lips; a visit to/from Bristol always meant a good time was on the cards. Chris once said to me you could tell a true friend because even if you hadn't seen them for a long time, you could pick up as though you'd only seen them yesterday. Though in recent times I'd seen less of Richard, I always felt he fell into this category. A true friend, Debbie and I shall miss him very much.
Uncle Richard, I hope you're watching "Fury from the Deep" right now (maybe interspersed with a New Adventures of Charlie Chan to give you a chance for a fag and another cup of tea)!!
Uncle Mark and Auntie Debbie
Kaleidoscope
I knew Richard for about twenty years and was deeply saddened to learn of his untimely death. His contribution to the field of television research was immense but, more than that, he was a genuinely decent bloke.
I was a fairly early adventurer in Doctor Who fandom, having formed the Bath local Group of the Doctor Who Appreciation Society in 1978, and established the fanzine Skaro in 1979. I first met Richard at a convention in (I think)
1983 and saw him many times at conventions and social gatherings subsequently. Along with other friends from Bath, I spent many happy hours socialising with Richard and other friends from the Bristol crowd and very much enjoyed our annual(ish) Christmas meals - which sometimes took place at Christmas! Richard exuded an admirably uncomplicated joy in classic
television, and possessed a fine sense of humour.
I shall miss Richard - who I was proud to call "uncle" and also proud to be addressed by as "uncle". I attended his funeral yesterday and was pleased to to enter the Bristol Cremarorium to the sounds of Ron Grainer's Doctor Who theme music. It may appear simplistic to some, but it is important to me and many others, and was deeply important to Richard. It seemed
appropriate.
Love and sincere condolences to Richard's family and friends.
Simon Lydiard
Uncle Dicky
It has taken a long time to write this, in the nineteen years that I have known Richard there are just so many memories and it is hard to decide where to begin.
Interesting that; my using "known" instead of knew. Even now, despite having attended his funeral, I cannot really believe that Uncle Richard is no longer going to pop up with an "Ah, Uncle Darren can you...?"
I first met Richard early in 1984. I was involved in the Hampshire Local Group of the Doctor Who Appreciation Society and David Stead, a mutual friend, invited Richard and a couple of others down from Bristol to a meeting. Little did I know that that day in sunny Cosham would lead to nineteen years of friendship.
Whether it was meeting up in Bristol, Southampton or at conventions, telephone conversations or in recent years the dreaded emails, Richard was always Richard. If he said he would do something you could always rely on him; actually more than that, you could trust him implicitly.
Back in the early days, it was bus trips out to his parents' house at Pill and the small room that housed him and his ever expanding collection of video tapes and back issues of the Radio Times. Even after all these years, I still remember my first sight of the state of his room there! Hmm, that was one constant. No matter where he was: Pill, Avonleigh Road or Ashton the room was always in the same state: Dishevelled, like its occupant. But as Richard would wryly remark: "I thought you came to see me, not the bloody room!"
One of our regular get together was the yearly pilgrimage to Longleat. Having began as a gathering of Doctor Who fans, after a couple of years it became a friends day out. The highlight of the day was never the Doctor Who Exhibition ("Who cares for that load of old tat?!", Richard would say), but rather the chatting, the rounders match and the maze. I remember one year sticking with Richard because I thought he knew the way to the centre, when all the time he was following me because he thought that I knew!
Hmm, I could be here all day. I have remembered so many things of late. However, there is not a single bad memory there. And there are very few people that I can honestly say that about.
It is hard to imagine that I will never again walk into a convention bar to be greeted by an affectionate "What bloody time do you call this?!"
Richard and I had exchanged a few emails during has last couple of days. His last one to me, less than four hours before he left the building for good, was simply "keep trying". I wish that he had.
Darren Allen
I said "Good Bye" to Richard along with his family and many of his friends on 8 Jul 2003 and it wasn't until that day that I realised that although I thought I knew Richard (through working with him) I never really knew him at all.
The stories that were shared at Richard's funeral highlighted what an exceptional, caring, loving man Richard was and what a sad loss he will be to his family and friends.
He used to call me Uncle Des - and I now understand how privileged I was to have the title "Uncle" and I will always remember Richard when I hear that word.
So it with great sadness that I write this email - I worked with him in Bristol for a number of years we always shared a joke and had many laughs - he would give me a lift to Temple Meads when I was stuck at Aztec West and I will always remember
these journeys as we constantly talked all the way there - but never once did he mention his work (or rather love) that he did with Kaleidoscope - I wish I had known because as I said at the beginning although I knew Richard I never really
knew him at all - and I feel the sadder for this.
So Richard rest in peace - the world is a sadder place without you - but we will never forget you.
Des Doherty
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Richard's death and, on behalf of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, offer sincere condolences to his family and the many members of the Kaleidoscope team who have lost a true friend.
Our association, of which we are very proud - with Richard and the Kaleidoscope team goes back to 1994. Attending many of their events as "outsiders", we have always been somewhat overwhelmed by their vast knowledge of their subject matter, their infectious enthusiasm, energy, dedication to vintage TV and to each other, and by the quiet, unassuming way in which they have actively raised substantial funds for the RNLI and its volunteer crews over the years.
We were deeply moved to learn that the In Memoriam donations from Richard's Service of Thanksgiving were to come to the RNLI. Amounting to £593.18, this is a sure testimony of the high regard in which all who knew Richard held him and the very genuine feelings they had for him.
The Kaleidoscope team is the very epitome of a lifeboat crew and our thoughts are with them as they go forward having lost one of their greatest helmsmen, and also with Richard's family.
Chris Fonteyn
Chairman
RNLI Stourbridge Branch
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Sue Coombes
Honorary Secretary
RNLI Stourbridge Branch
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Uncle Richard
I can't rightly recall how I came to know Richard. No doubt it had something to do with Doctor Who and some obscure piece of merchandise but time being what it is and the cumulative effects of bad living have left me unable to recall the precise events that lead to Richard and I becoming aware of each other.
Sadly I haven't been in touch with Richard for years - my love for all things telly having dimmed in the last 10 years or so and I'm such a slack correspondent I simply fell out of his loop. I did however keep a tab on him via Jon Preddle and always carried in my mind the man who kindly gave me a place to stay in Bristol all those years ago in 1989, took me to my first convention, and got me started on a nasty appetite for cigarettes!!!
I do recall getting horrendously drunk to the point where poor Richard and Jenny had to undress me and put me to bed. I must refute Mr Perry's allegation that I got Richard started on cigs again. Indeed, he got me started - God bless him.
My memories of Richard are of a warmhearted, generous beyond the pale, eccentric, kind and decent chap. I was gutted to hear he'd left us 'cos God knows we need more Uncle Richards.
Richard got me my copy of Clockwork Orange on video when it was banned the world over. Richard sent me Radio Times magazines unsolicited. Richard was a bloody nice bloke.
Sleep well Uncle
Kindest regards to all close to him
Murray Jackson
I was shocked and dismayed to hear of Richard's death and I immediately thought of Jenny and his other close friends.
I only knew Richard a little through visiting Jenny, but I will always thank him for being there for Jenny and being an absolute rock for her during some very hard times.
Rest in peace Richard
Lynne Stiddard
I was very saddened to hear of the untimely death of Richard Down.
May I take this opportunity to offer my condolences to his family; and to record my appreciation for his work in researching archive television
collections, the results of which survive him in the oft-referred to Kaleidoscope guides.
Greg Taylor
Editor, itv.com/citv
My Late Friend Richard
I first met Richard at a Doctor Who convention in Bath in 1983 for over the next 10 years I went to his home where we used to sit and watch videos all day Richard Nigel and I. I used to look forward to my weekly visits. We lost touch for 8 years. I then found his address and we got back in touch and it was as if we hadn't lost touch. I was stunned to come across this page as we have been out of touch due to the birth of my baby daughter. Richard was due to come over to meet my wife and kids as soon as my extension was finished. I'm going to miss my great friend.
Eddie Evans
Chepstow
Sitting here typing this, I can still remember the days at Coppas, working with Richard for many years what I can remember is a massive.. respect for a great person with a massive heart .. also I can say with a smile I was a Uncle Alex... myself and Mandy we never forget you Richard ...
Alex Hinder
Richard - Son, Brother, Uncle and Brother-in-Law
Dear Kaleidoscope
On behalf of the family I write this e-mail to thank the many of you that came to say farewell to Rich, we were all greatly moved by your kind thoughts and this memorial that has been set up for him.
Many of you knew him as Uncle Richard but for over 21 years he was Uncle Richard to his first niece, and subsequently he had 2 other nieces and a nephew - 5 days after his funeral he became an uncle again to a beautiful baby girl.
He was a very secretive man and we never knew the involvement he had with Kaleidoscope although we obviously knew of his love for all classic television and his Dr Who obsession since as children we used to hide behind the settee, and to this end it was lovely to meet many of you at his funeral.
He was very careful that his different worlds did not mix - his work - his Kaleidoscope and friends - his family but I was privelaged to have met many of you before and to Nigel and Jenny and Chris I thank them for being such true friends and to the countless others he did not let me have any contact with.
I hope Rich has found peace we will always miss him you cannot replace a son, brother or uncle and he was the only one we all had.
Many thanks to all his friends the family wish you all hapiness and please remember Richard fondly and in your hearts as we will always.
Richard's Family
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