Brian joined the Southport Cycling Club in 2003 after a distinguished running career representing Southport & Waterloo Athletic Club competing in all distances including the London
Marathon,I understand he was a formidable athlete. However over time injuries prevented him from competing and he decided to take up cycling and bought a bike and so it began.
He quickly settled into club life with his friendly pleasant personality and became a popular member.,not being interested in the racing discipline of the sport he was at ease with the long distance riding and rode with the Audax section of the club. During the following years he rode all the required distances up to and and including a 600 kms ride which qualified him as a super randonneur as a result became a life member of Audax UK. Most of these rides were with his older cycling clubmate Terry Seanor,they were
almost inseparable.
Brian was always willing to assist or marshal in the club time trials and road races and did so over many years,his enthusiasm and support was much appreciated. On club rides he was a joy to ride with his always smiling face and simple outlook on life,he was not in the least bit interested in technology and equipment he just wanted to ride a bike and enjoy the company and would willingly drop back and ride with slower or struggling clubmates.
On arrival at a cafe stop he would produce from his back pocket a small bag containing his home made biscuits and willing share them,he was an excellent cook and bread maker.Other than cycling his main interest had to be tending his allotment at Lane Ends where he grew his own produce and fruit from which he was excellent at jam making.
He and his partner Susan were excellent Salsa/Jive/Latin American dancers often attending Blackpool Tower Ballroom tea dances. His knowledge of Spain and reading books
in Spanish was a form of relaxation to him.
Brian has been described by his clubmates as a lovely man and I would certainly endorse that his unassuming demeanour was the measure of him.
Sadly over the past few months his health was suffering and he was admitted to Southport Hospital where he sadly passed away on February 8th.
Thank you for the memories Brian rest in peace.
Funeral details in due course.
Colin Baldwin
Club President
