Andrew Varney

Andrew Varney (1945 – 2024), was born in Norwich on 13th November 1945 to Vera and Ian Varney, the eldest brother to Richard, Nigel and Celia.  The family moved to Writtle, Essex and then Swanley, Kent where Andrew attended Hextable School.  He trained in radio operations at Norwood Technical College, later qualifying as an electrical engineer specialising in safety systems.

He joined the Merchant Navy as a radio officer, sailing to South Africa, South America and the Far East.  After returning to England to convalesce from hepatitis, Andrew worked for Decca Radio in Chessington, before joining GP Elliot where Andrew worked on the oil rigs in the North Sea.  After working in London, Andrew worked in Australia, Scotland and Norway, until his retirement in 2005.

In addition to radio, Andrew’s passions included a wide range of music; cricket – playing for Biggin Hill and Edenbridge Cricket Clubs; canoeing and sailing; football – supporting Crystal Palace; gardening and walking.  As a volunteer, Andrew supported the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI), Hoo Ness Yacht Club, championed Sustainable Edenbridge and worked on the restoration of the Medway Queen paddle steamer.  Andrew was a member of the Labour Party.

Andrew married Monica who he had originally met in Buenos Aires at the ‘The Flying Angel’ Missions to Seamen dance venue (Missions to Seafarers).  They lived in Biggin Hill and then Edenbridge and had two children Julian and Douglas.  He was a devoted grandfather.