Tribute to long-time former Sudbury Ye Olde Fish and Chip Shop owner Christopher Barton following death aged 88

A long-time friendly face behind the counter at a Sudbury chip shop has been remembered as a 'kind and gentle man' who took great pride in his work, following his death this month.

A memorial service will take place next week for popular business owner and community member Christopher Barton, who died on March 6, at the age of 88.

Mr Barton was a familiar figure around the town for decades, most notably as the owner and operator of Ye Olde Fish and Chip Shop in Cross Street for more than 40 years.

The father-of-two also spent many years involved in the Sudbury Royal British Legion, collecting and marching in the remembrance service, and was a keen member of both Sudbury Photography Club and Sudbury Wine Club.

His son, Kevin, who now lives near Bedford, told SuffolkNews this week: “He loved chatting to customers and took great pride in his work, cooking what most Sudbury people knew as the ‘best fish and chips in town’.

“On frying nights, there were always long queues lining up outside the shop ready for it to open.

“Dad would tell me stories of various loyal customers. One, in particular, was an American who, when arriving in the UK, used to phone up from Heathrow and put his order in ready for collection later that day.”

Mr Barton was born in Hitcham on January 12, 1935, and educated at the village school.

He had his first taste of the trade from his dad, Percy, who ran the local fish and chip shop and van during the Second World War, having been unable to serve in the Armed Forces due to disability.

Mr Barton’s childhood included interacting with American airmen and sitting in their planes, after his father befriended members of the United States Air Force (USAF), who were stationed nearby.

In 1949, Mr Barton joined the Royal Navy, at the age of 15, and served on numerous ships, starting with his training at HMS Ganges, before his discharge in 1961.

He then lived in Newcastle for several years, having met his wife, Val, there while on shore leave from HMS Tyne, and worked various jobs, including a brush salesman for John Lewis and a salesman for United Biscuits.

Once he returned to Suffolk, he took over Ye Olde Fish and Chip Shop in Sudbury in 1967, after his father retired from running the business following a five-year stint as owner.

Kevin, who followed in the family footsteps as a business owner, said: “His regular customers in the chip shop would come along and they would chat about their stories from the services.

“Most shop regulars knew my father’s shop as the place to get the Green Un on Saturday, as dad was an avid Ipswich Town supporter, collecting match programmes and supporters’ handbooks from as far back as the 1950s.

“His friends will remember him as a very kind and gentle man, who could talk the hind legs off a donkey.”

Mr Barton is survived by son, Kevin, and daughter Michelle, who currently lives in America.

A memorial service will take place at Sudbury Cemetery on Thursday, March 30, at 10.30am.