Obituary: Barbara Newell – Rhemo Removals founder and Hordle Brownies leader

RHEMO Removals co-founder and former Hordle Brownies leader Barbara Newell has died at the age of 81.

Also a member of Hordle Flower Club and the village WI, Barbara was best known for founding Rhemo Products and Rhemo Removals in 1965 with husband Robert from a garage at their home in Hordle.

Born in Bedhampton in November 1940, Barbara was one of six children to parents Ethel and Thomas Hobbs. She grew up with her siblings, in a flat above a Co-op in the town where her father worked.

Barbara’s involvement with the Girl Guiding movement began in childhood, when she was a keen Brownie and Guide – becoming the first in her district to receive the prestigious Queen’s Guide Award. She then on to become a Sea Ranger.

It was during a youth holiday to Avon Tyrell near Bransgore when she was 16 that Barbara met the love of her life, Robert Newell, who lived locally.

The couple stayed in contact and married at Bedhampton Church when they were 21.

They initially lived in Yeovil before they were able to buy a plot of land in Ashley Lane, Hordle, where they built their own house. They remained in the same home for 58 years.

Barbara’s first job was at Fox and Sons Estate Agents in Station Road, New Milton. While both working full-time, Barbara and Robert started Rhemo Removals from their garage at home.

Their daughter Lynda, who joined them in the business in 1985, is continuing to run Rhemo with her husband Adrian who joined in 1999 and grandson Robert who joined this year.

Lynda said: “My parents’ teamwork was amazing. Their values were the same.”

While building the businesses, Barbara also worked at the VG grocery shop in Hordle and undertook various cleaning jobs in between.

She was well known for cycling everywhere until she bought her first minivan.

Guiding remained a big part of Barbara’s life and she became Snowy Owl at Hordle Brownies and Guides where she helped at weekly meetings and attended the camps. She was also a tester for badges.

Always happy to take on a new challenge, in her mid-40s she embarked on an English O-level course which she passed with flying colours.

In her spare time, Barbara loved walking in the New Forest and along the local coastline. She always felt very fortunate to live in such a beautiful place.

She was also a keen gardener and longstanding member of the Hordle Flower Club.

Travel was another passion, with visits to friends in France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Canada.

Lynda added: “She was an amazing and devoted wife, mother and grandmother and always involved herself and supported every one of them in their interests and hobbies.

“She was extremely dedicated and very hard working to both her family and the businesses.”

In retirement, Barbara joined Hordle WI and later the Hordle Widows Club following Robert’s death from motor neurone disease in 2017.

Barbara moved in with daughter Lynda, in Bashley, where she loved the opportunity to spend more time with her three grandchildren Robert, Annie and AJ.

Barbara bravely battled cancer for five years before losing her fight with the illness on 1st September.

A funeral has been held. Donations in Barbara’s memory can go to Oakhaven Hospice.