This site is a tribute to Simon Venables. He is much loved and will always be remembered.

There probably isn’t much that I can tell you about Simon that you don’t already know. After all, you shared his life and knew all about his habits, quirks and many endearing ways.
You know for example how devoted he was to his family – how much they all meant to him - including his cats, Ben and Geri.
You’ll know how kind, caring and so incredibly humble he was – doing so much, for so many – but never expecting, indeed shying away from any praise.
You know that he was a very moral, principled man - without prejudice, free of malice and completely selfless.
You know that he was a great sounding board – you could tell Si anything and be safe in the knowledge that he wouldn’t judge, mock or break your confidence – just offer a balanced opinion or helpful advice if needed. He did have a great sense of humour though, with some gentle teasing between him and his partner Kath when some bringing down to earth was required! 
You know nothing was ever too much trouble and Si would do anything he could for anyone.
And you know that he was a connoisseur of cider, ale and craft beers… 
But perhaps not all of you know that Simon John Edward was born on 21st September 1966.
He was the oldest of three children for Marg and Tony, joined later by sister Jo and brother Richard.
Their childhood was a happy one - after moving to the family home in Webheath with its huge garden, they’d play out most of the time, making mud pies and climbing trees – at least, Jo and Richard did – Si was afraid of heights – couldn’t even go to the top of a slide…
Jo and Richard followed their big brother everywhere – did everything together - and for the first few years of her life, Jo thought she too, was a boy…
Si excelled at school – Webheath, through Walkwood and on to Bridley Moor – where he scored a perfect 100% in his O level maths mock.
Chemistry was a particular favourite and science experiments in the back room were commonplace – there was the lead pipe that he, Jon and Rich Radbourne melted over the cooker and then the rocket fuel that Si made, letting it off on top of the boiler … It was so flammable, it singed the polystyrene ceiling tiles …Even Si was shocked at just how good it was!
Programming his computers and playing Dungeons and Dragons with Michael (Benny), David and Gwyn were also a significant part of his youth and Si spent hours in the back room on adventures and quests.
His passion for music was also becoming apparent – listening to the John Peel Show frequently and recording the Festive 50 on his radio cassette, to play back time and time again. Radio 6 later became a firm favourite, along with Radio 4. 
Following his school years, Si embarked on a Biochemistry degree at Manchester University, although left during the first year and just didn’t tell anyone…
Simon then joined a European Social Fund course at Leicester. He studied Taxonomy in the microbiology department and was involved in writing Fortran programs with Prof Peter Sneath and his lifelong friend Jon Radbourne. Unfortunately a research grant that Si and Jon applied for to continue this work was unsuccessful.
The working life that followed was diverse.
Having worked at CPC, the jam factory, as a holiday job, like many young men in Redditch in the 90’s, he did some factory work at Terry Springs and then Pilkington’s (or "Triplex" as it was more affectionately known).
There, Simon would zip around the warehouse on his forklift truck, or scale the heights of  the cherry-picker, putting together delivery orders of windscreen glass. Although sadly, he was asked to part company with them after they decided that Si’s forklift racing fell outside of company health and safety guidelines…
In 2000, Simon had a short spell working at DPS in Washford, printing Christmas cards, followed by a few years at Smallwood Glass, manufacturing double glazed windows.  Later on, he worked for Lexon UK pharmaceutical distribution centre, in their warehouse.
But perhaps his most notable career move was when he became Marg’s carer.
As well as providing unfailing care and support for Mum, it also gave him the opportunity to expand on his culinary expertise.
Si was a legend in the kitchen – his lemon drizzle, scones and pesto rolls were next level.
Of course, he approached everything in a scientific manner, Simon "the chemist" used his skills to perfect beer-making too, "cloning" several of his favourite real ales, and dabbling with cider-making.
He liked a decent pint, did Si. Chris and Alistair enjoyed going out for a few with Si – they loved hearing his views on the world when they worked together at Pilkingtons as well as more recently as they worked their way through the taster menu at The Cross in Finstall.
Always an enthusiastic reader, Simon would be seen devouring books over lunch in the canteen at Pilkingtons - reading subjects as wide as mathematics, consciousness, music, and (allegedly) pig farming. He had such a diverse knowledge in many fields. More recently, he followed many interesting people and shows on YouTube, such as Fully Charged, Dr John Campbell, ZOE, potholer54, Stephen Colbert and John Oliver...and Podcasts such as Pitchfork Economics and Wittertainment. 
Si was definitely a man with a social conscience and his passion and commitment to environmental issues and sustainability were unparalleled.
Si was a longstanding core member of local environmental organisation Transition Redditch, planting fruit trees near Forge Mill and at the Abbey Stadium. He was an active supporter of Friends of the Earth, of Bromsgrove and Redditch Welcomes Refugees, he ran as a candidate for the Green Party on three separate occasions and gave so much of his time to the Redditch Repair Café. This is where his cooking and baking skills came into their own, catering at each and every event. 
Although he was more than happy to dress up as a fluffy bumblebee or in some other random fancy dress to promote a cause, he preferred to work quietly – behind the scenes – never wanting to be the centre of attention. Nephew Callum has – accidentally – become just like Uncle Si in that respect! His ability to be a peacemaker and a voice of reason was appreciated here as well as in his personal relationships. Many people were the recipients of a few quiet words of wisdom from Si, once they had finally been quiet long enough for him to get a word in!
But what better way to champion local produce whilst supporting a community project than to become a member of the Headless Cross Orchard. Si did his bit enthusiastically – the wassailing, the May Fair, Apple Day, mowing and pressing – and the sampling of the cider thereafter… a must for any volunteer with Headless Cross Community Orchard! On one fateful October morning, Simon's baking stood above all the rest - unfortunately the Chorizo in his 2 dozen bread rolls was mistaken for vegan sun dried tomatoes, nearly causing a major catering faux pas!
His relationship with his lovely partner Kath began as friends through Transition Redditch. They started spending more and more time together,  Si joining Kath as part of the Beech family quiz team at Bridley Moor Social Club quiz nights. His musical knowledge remained absolutely unbeatable. Dave the quiz master was always trying to find ways to catch him out – but very rarely if  ever managed it…
Eventually the friendship that had begun over ten years ago, blossomed into a beautiful relationship. Almost certainly fuelled by their friends' encouragement one night out after a Headless Cross event, mentioning no names (Rachel Wardell)!!
They had so much in common and – whether they were visiting National Trust properties, practising Yoga and meditation, holidaying with Kath's family in Devon or enjoying a drink together – they were just so content to be in each other’s company. 
Lockdown was a wonderful time for them – Si did all of the cooking and cleaning whilst Kath cracked on with her work – a perfect team working in harmony with each other. 
Si loved his technology and gadgets - Kath didn’t have any sound on the TV for a month while he was in hospital because she couldn’t work out how to connect up their Sonos speaker… Although Si's chosen form of transport was cycling, he was also very knowledgeable about low carbon innovations of all sorts and supported Kath in being an early adopter of an electric car back in 2017.
Si’s diagnosis came as a complete shock. 
It was completely inconceivable that someone with such a passion for life – everything and everyone in it – could become so ill.
But he remained positive and focused, even on his lowest days – his concern, always for others – and his courage and determination will always be an inspiration.
Si really was a true gentleman – a kind, considerate, conscientious, gentle man.
He achieved so much and helped so many, yet remained humble, self effacing - staying loyal and true to those he loved. And this, in itself, is a beautiful thing. To be recognised and understood in all our truth is the final blossoming of the relationship that we share with those we leave behind.

With thanks to Jacqui Mason-Dipple, Worcestershire Celebrant, for her tribute to Si.