One of the UK’s longest-established operators of AWP machines, Henry Harris of Peterborough Automatics, has died at the age of 83.
Henry, who died at home after a long illness on Thursday night, was a great character and a popular figure at trade shows in Britain. The company was formed by Henry’s brother, Jeff, in partnership with Freddie Bailey, in 1961. They subsequently brought Henry into the business after a year and later Freddie sold out to the Harris brothers.
Their operation continued right through to the present day and although reduced in size now, it was a considerable business in its earlier years when it was built up initially with bingo tables and old mechanical payout machines that operated in a grey area before the 1968 Gaming Act was brought in.
At one time Henry, a keen sportsman, was chairman of Peterborough United Football Club.
“Henry was a wonderful, colourful man,” said David Snook of InterGame, who had known Henry for many years. “He was always cracking jokes and I understand from Freddie, who remained in contact with the Harris brothers for all those years from the US and spoke with Henry on an almost weekly basis, that right to the end Henry was full of wisecracks.”
Henry leaves a wife, Nancy, and a son, Mark. His cremation will take place at Peterborough Crematorium on June 20.
