Tributes are being paid to Neil ‘Bingo’ Sutcliffe, a former Bolton School pupil
One of the suspects in the suspected stabbing death of a man at a Portuguese community during the ‘Mad Hatter’s Tea Party’ music festival is a former student of the elite Bolton School. In memory of the 37-year-old Bolton resident and “creative genius,” Neil Sutcliffe, tributes have been made.
According to his family, he came to live on a converted lifeboat in London recently, explaining that it “gave him the freedom he had yearned for,” according to one of his brothers.
Mr. Sutcliffe was a graduate of the University of Sound Engineering and Design, and was known to friends as “Bingo.” He identified himself as a London-based artist who “wears silly costumes in genre defying escapades” on an Instagram page where he shared his paintings and sketches.
He was “unexpectedly taken from us while on holiday abroad,” according to a recent obituary in The Bugle, a magazine for former Bolton School students. It also noted, “He was always willing to light up a room with artwork or music, his spirit and talent will be sorely missed.”
One of his two older brothers, John Sutcliffe, disclosed in a moving tribute on the internet that his brother had been called “one of the most musically-gifted children” by a teacher.
“He decided a few years ago to move to London and live on a converted lifeboat,” he continued. For most of us, this might not seem like the greatest course of action, but Neil fit the bill and it gave him the freedom he had yearned for.
“He cherished his new life and his increased independence. He was now aware of who he was and wanted to be. We, his family, knew very little about this new existence, which is what makes it weird. He had made the decision to go it alone, to make his own way in the world and not to follow in the footsteps of others.
Having known Neil all his life, I was incredibly proud of his guts and commitment to self-improvement. He was clear about his goals and pursued them. We could not have been more mistaken. The only thing we dreaded was that he was all alone and without support in the world.”
He said, “We will always love you, Neil,” to end the homage. Everyone will miss you terribly, terribly. You’re my little brother, my gaming partner, my friend when it comes to miniature painting, and my creative genius friend. Despite the fact that we haven’t spent much time together in recent years, you will never know how much I will miss you. Because of your absence, the world is a sadder and darker place.
Mom In her own homage, Linda continued, stating, “Love you forever and ever, Neil. With you, a piece of me perished. Even though your life was brutally cut short, you lived it to the fullest, and for that I will always be happy that you were ours. Rest comfortable, my amazing son
Georgie Ringrose, a friend, said: “On the canals, you were a true beacon of light. You were such a joyful, lively person all the time. I shall miss your amazing assortment of hats and tails, your artwork, your biscuit teas, your fascination with the colour yellow, and your ridiculously amazing ensembles. Neil, you are so special and I will always remember you. I appreciate the chuckles.
The Mad Hatters Tea Party ran from September 21 to September 24, with a promo describing it as a ‘gathering packed with wonderful music and fantastic people’ and a call to’show love, kindness, and respect to ourselves, each other, and the land’ for those who planned to attend.
Apart from the array of musical acts, the occasion showcased acrobatic acts, health seminars, and a “Hatters Secret Quest.”
According to Portuguese police, 28-year-old Joshua James Menkens has been charged with murder, possessing a weapon that is illegal, and defiling a corpse.
In a statement provided to the Times last month, Portugal’s Policia Judiciaria police force stated: “Public Prosecutor’s Office of the district of Leiria filed an indictment against Joshua James Menkens, for the crimes of homicide, possession of a prohibited weapon, and desecration of a corpse.”
According to rumours, a trial hearing without a jury has not yet been scheduled. It will be held before three judges.
