The in-between years

Barry Wilkinson - The in-between years

So the time has come to make something of my life

So, to cut it a bit short. Everything I studied for at school wasn’t the job I wanted for the rest of my working days. So I upped sticks and moved to Shrewsbury. Enrolled at Radbrook College of food and went to work for the Sidoli’s. (Italian restaurant, Bakery and Gelato). Hard work, long hours, 5 years. Then I got married and the fun stopped. Worked for Grandmet as head chef until 1986, Then got the Crème da la Crème job of being private Chef to Ian Cameron of CWT, HQ Birmingham until he retired in 1992. That’s when I decided to go it alone and acquired the NEW INN, Needwood, Staffordshire. Very run down old coaching inn, dating back to 1776. Well after 23 years we finally had it licked. But alas, my time to retire had come. So now, it’s time to play
Barry Wilkinson & the Cooper S
Barry Wilkinson & the Cooper S
The final years of school, 17 and finished the A levels. My Mini Cooper S. End of year camping trip to the Lakes. That's my mate Thommo when he had hair. We won't say anything about mine
Barry Wilkinson Head Chef Walsall Town Hall 1978
Barry Wilkinson Head Chef Walsall Town Hall 1978
A very young Head Chef, I'm here with Walsall Mayor Sid Wright. Preping for the Mayors Ball. Circa 1978
Barry Wilkinson Pastry Chef 1991
Barry Wilkinson Pastry Chef 1991
1991, Prince Charles visit to Leicester. Just one of my many talents.
Barry Wilkinson; Yvonne Harris; Paul Abbott; Valentine Serenade
Barry Wilkinson; Yvonne Harris; Paul Abbott; Valentine Serenade
Getting ready for a big Valentine surprise. You have to go the extra mile, And she said yes. Paul Abbott my head chef, he plays better than he cooks. My ever best friend and true love, Vonny.
Barry Wilkinson; Chef Owner the New Inn - Needwood 1993
Barry Wilkinson; Chef Owner the New Inn - Needwood 1993
The New Inn, Needwood. Bought it in 1992. 23 years as Licensee, Chef before retiring in 2015.
Barry Wilkinson with Eric the Bear; Charity Biking
Barry Wilkinson with Eric the Bear; Charity Biking
If I had a chance, the leathers would be on. That's Eric on the back. The Pub Bear. As keen bikers, Gail and myself turned The New Inn into a Bikers retreat, Great BBQ's in the summer. Take a look here. If the link doesn't work, copy and paste it in your browser. http://www.newinn.co.uk/bikers
Barry Wilkinson Charity Ride 2001
Barry Wilkinson Charity Ride 2001
Monday was our day off. So, Eric the Bear, Gail and the Blackbird. Skeggy to Rhyl in a day
Barry Wilkinson