BRIGG BLOG'S TRIBUTE TO BRIAN TAYLOR MBE

Brigg Blog today pays tribute to Brian Taylor - proud recipient of the MBE for services to the community in various ways over many decades.
Brian, who has died aged 87, was one of the nicest people anyone could wish to meet and contributed a great deal to the district through dedicated voluntary service.
He was a long-serving magistrate, school governor, avid fundraiser for the British Heart Foundation charity, president of both Brigg Probus Club and the Briggensians' Association (representing former pupils and staff of Brigg Grammar School, Brigg Girls' High and Sir John Nelthorpe School). He was a Freemason for more than 50 years - becoming a Worshipful Master.
Born in Scawby, Brian later moved to Broughton. He was educated at Brigg Preparatory School, Broughton Juniors and then Brigg Grammar.
He did National Service with the RAF, and most of his working life in 'civvy' street was as a personnel manager/officer, with the Co-operative Society and then the Glanford local authority - roles for which he was ideally suited.
He took a keen interest in sport - playing cricket, tennis, snooker and bowls, as well as being a qualified athletics timekeeper who officiated at county and national events far and wide.
He was a Justice of the Peace for 22 years, sitting at Brigg Magistrates' Court on Wrawby Street and later in Scunthorpe before retiring aged 70. He chaired the family and licensing benches.
In education he served as a governor of North Lindsey College, Scunthorpe's Riddings Comprehensive, Wrawby Church of England School, and Sir John Nelthorpe, where he sat on both governing bodies including the foundation which still oversees the original trust established in the 17th century.
Brian was a member of Brigg District Lions for 14 years - being active in its fundraising for worthy causes - and also gained a national award for his contributions to the Rotary movement.
He served as churchwarden at St Mary's in Wrawby, and following a move to Hibaldstow became assistant warden at St Hybald's.
In 2003 he was appointed the British Heart Foundation's fundraising representative for a wide area of North Lincolnshire, including Brigg.
 

 

Brian was awarded the MBE in 2011 for services to the community in North Lincolnshire - a very well-deserved honour. The presentation was made by Prince Charles,
Brian married Pam in 1956, having two children, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
After received the sad news of his death, our first though was: the local community has lost a true gentleman - respected by everyone.
We had known Brian since the 1970s when he arranged some insurance for us through the local Co-op - typically calling round in person to set things up. The following decade we met up with him often while reporting for the Lincolnshire Times when he was personel officer at Glanford Borough Council; we also covered many Rotary and Lions' ommunity events with which he was involved.
We later served together as governors at Sir John Nelthorpe School and on the committee of the Briggensians' Association, whose annual dinners Brian always supported and enjoyed in March, along with reunions held at other times of the year.
Owing to the current emergency restrictions, attendance at Brian's funeral service is invitation only. It will be held at St Hybald's Church, Hibaldstow, on Thursday, December 31, at 11.30am. This service will be 'live streamed - details to follow on Brigg Blog.
People who knew Brian and wish to share memories and/or pictures of him are being asked to email briantaylormemories@gmail.com
Donations are being welcomed to fund a local defibrillator in Brian's memory. Funeral arrangements are being made by Jason Threadgold. Call 01724 865865.

PICTURED: Proud Brian (above) after receiving his MBE; image kindly supplied by his family. Below - Brian (centre) in December 2018. The annual Briggensians football match played at Brigg Town FC's Hawthorns ground over the Christmas period saw a cheque for £1,600 presented to him for the British Heart Foundation. The money had been raised during May's Adrian Gibbons memorial match at Brigg Town FC - 'Gib' having been a very well-known Sir John Nelthorpe School teacher and renowned local sportsman.