Brian Vinson's Funeral

Brian Vinson, a great stalwart of HIADS, died on 30th December 2025.

Fiona and John Blackwell are sad to announce the death of Brian Vinson on 30th December 2025.

Brian joined HIADS in 1991 just to support Anne and Fiona, but was immediately cast as “Little John” in the upcoming panto. In no time at all his practical knowledge and precise organisational skills were put to good (and frequent) use in set building and Stage Management. He even occasionally trod the boards again, usually in a panto where his beard served him well for figures of authority (and a dwarf).

Between 1994 and 1996, during the development of the new Station Theatre, Brian was a key member of the Theatre Project team as Building Manager, which also seemed to involve a lot of time spent hands on working at the top of ladders. Brian stepped back from active involvement in HIADS in 2014 and was subsequently made a Life Member.

The funeral service will be held at “The Oaks” Havant Crematorium on 10th February 2026 at 2.30pm.