Today was one of those visits that reminds you what really matters.
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| Me (Robin), Kirsty, Ray and Andrew |
I popped in to see Ray Nye, the husband of the much-missed and much-loved Mavis Nye, along with regular visitor Kirsty Budenbender from DSK and Andrew Paten from UKNAR. What was meant to be a catch-up turned into a proper natter, plenty of laughter, and the sort of easy conversation that only happens when people genuinely enjoy each other’s company.
Ray was on fine form.
There’s something wonderfully grounding about spending time with someone who has seen so much, done so much, and yet still carries warmth and humour so lightly. We talked about work, about people we know, about life generally, about Bristol Zoo, and about Ray's new hobby, Mahjong! It was not solemn. It was not formal. It was simply good company.
Remembering Mavis, Naturally
Of course, whenever Ray is in the room, Mavis is never far from the conversation.
Not in a heavy way. Not in a sombre way. Just as part of the fabric of things.
Mavis Nye did extraordinary work as an asbestos awareness campaigner. After being diagnosed with mesothelioma, she turned what would have crushed many people into a platform for action. She campaigned tirelessly for better awareness, stronger regulation, and justice for those affected by asbestos exposure. She helped give a voice to people who often felt unheard.
And she did it with courage, humour, and determination.
The funny thing is, when you’re sitting in Ray’s living room laughing about everyday things, you’re reminded that behind every campaign, every headline, every policy discussion, there are real people. Real families. Real lives.
That’s easy to forget when we are buried in paperwork, compliance documents, or technical guidance.
Why It Still Matters
Asbestos is not history. It is not something we can neatly file away under “industrial past”.
It is still present in thousands of buildings across the UK. It still poses risks. It still affects families. The work that organisations like DSK and UKNAR are doing remains important because awareness, management, and responsibility are ongoing duties, not one-off exercises. It's the reason we created asbestos software Alpha Tracker here at Start Software.
But today was not about reports or regulations.
It was about connection.
It was about remembering that behind every awareness campaign is a human story. Behind every safety protocol is someone’s parent, partner, or friend.
And it was about laughter.
Because if Mavis taught us anything, it was that strength and humour are not opposites. They sit very comfortably together.
The Best Kind of Catch Up
We left having laughed a lot, put the world to rights in a modest sort of way, and reminded ourselves why the work around asbestos awareness still matters.
Not because it is dramatic.
Not because it is political.
But because it is personal.
And sometimes the most meaningful moments are simply a handful of people in a warm room, sharing stories, remembering someone remarkable, and carrying on the work in their own way.
Thank you, Ray, for the welcome, the stories, and the laughs.
We’ll be back for another cup of tea and Kirsty's sandwiches soon.
