STOKESLEY PROBUS CLUB

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Brian Cooper Nichols

11th October 1930 - 10th September 2024

Brian was born on 11th October 1930 in Warrington and passed away in James Cook Hospital on Tuesday 10th September 2024 aged 93.

He lived in Hutton Rudby just behind the Wheatsheaf Inn with his wife Gillian.

Brian had lots of memories of war year problems but was very happy growing up eating a banana every day.

He began a love of skiing in 1951 with trips to Norway and then Austria.
Accommodation was in former Nazi barracks.

In 1953 Brian fell in love with Mt Snowdon.

This was the start of his passion for Mountain Rescue. He was a Founder Member of Cheshire Mountain Rescue.

Brian had many interests:

he loved holidays in Venice
all sports especially Liverpool, tennis and Olympic cycling
he was a car enthusiast following F1.
he bought clapped out motors such as his TR7 and Gondola, kept them for a year and then scrapped them;
he loved his pipe, was never without it;
he loved books and always had a stack of 8 or 9 fiction and non-fiction piled up next to his chair ready to read;
he had a massive general knowledge including cars, trains, politics, history and industrial archaeology;
he was excellent in pub quizzes;
he took the family to Croatia, visited a museum and related the story of the Austro/Hungarian war;
he loved Mozart, Sibelius, jazz and films;
he loved Wensleydale cheese, Eccles cakes and potatoes;
and he loved talking.

He was ‘Father’ to the children and a great one. He loved his grandchildren.
He loved his sheepskin coat for the touchline watching the boys play football.
He was always positive and helpful; a dedicated and supportive father.
He was full of ease and life.
He was a dapper Gentleman, smart with a cravat. He never wore jeans,
but, he did love his oldest sweaters and breeches for mountain walks.

Brian and Gill loved the Wheatsheaf in HR enjoying a dinner there every week.
Brian’s parents did not allow him to go to University. He needed a job.
He was found one at the NatWest.
He worked for the bank for 40 years mostly as a Branch Manager in Salford.

Brian joined Probus on 16th October 2007 proposed by Mervin Davies and someone else. He stepped down from membership at the AGM 2023 for health, age and transport reasons.

A Service for Brian was held in St Bede’s Chapel at Middlesbrough Crematorium on Thursday 3rd October. About 40 people attended. Keith Waller attended from Probus.
We entered the service to Mozart and left to Dave Brubeck.
The service included a poetry reading from Emma Nichols, Brian’s granddaughter and a eulogy shared by his two sons Rupert and Mark.
Donations in lieu of flowers were requested to support Mountain Rescue.
I left a small Probus donation.
Refreshments were offered at The Wheatsheaf in Hutton Rudby.

At Brian’s request, his ashes will be spread by Mark and Rupert at the top of Mt. Snowdon.

Edgar Moore

17th January 1936 - 22nd November 2024

Eddie was born on 17th January 1936 in East Murton near Seaham but grew up in Wolsingham in Weardale.

He passed away on 22nd November 2024 aged 88.

A Service for Eddie was held on Tuesday 17th December in St. Hilda’s Chapel at Teesside Crematorium. Chris Griffiths and I attended with Eddie’s daughters Karen and Hazel and their families. Even Eddie’s cleaning lady attended, a mark of real friendship. She was telling me how Eddie just loved to sit and chat rather getting any work done.

The Service programme was designed by Eddie himself to include lots of music, poetry, humour and memories. Eddie’s idea was to embrace enjoyment and a celebration of life.

Eddie was described as a unique, happy and humorous man. He enjoyed risqué fun within a kind heart. He loved people, cycling, ‘good life’ gardening, caravan holidays with his Morris Minor, the arts, culture, cherry blossom, the Yorkshire Dales, Ireland, WW2 Beaches, and dressing up and singing. He enjoyed wearing Boro supporters’ hats and jumpers.

He was a keen supporter of the Guide Dogs Association and sponsored a dog: Rupert. He wrote two Books. One on Botany and A River Runs Through It.
He recommended two poems for others to read: Seven Ages of Man by Shakespeare and Let Me Die A Young Man’s Death by Roger Gough.

Eddie married Isabelle on 22nd August 1959. Sadly she passed away in 2010 after 51 years of marriage. He loved reading bedtime stories to his daughters and grandchildren. He loved telling ‘dad jokes’ and keenly supported their education. He loved the big family gatherings, friendships and bridge. Eddie toured the nation playing bridge for fun (and in competitions) as well as visiting local attractions with Chris Griffiths. Post Brexit their friend Gail joined them to visit local historical sites and concerts. The Three Amigos.

His first job was as a postman delivering letters to farms and villages.
He then spent 2 years in the RAF. He toured the world and especially loved Bulawayo. He trained to be a Teacher at Leeds University and taught in Middlesbrough at Whinney Banks Primary and Langbaurgh Secondary Schools. He then moved on as a lecturer in Horticulture at Stockton Billingham Technical College. He taught himself Latin and French. In 2020, aged 84, he gained a BA in Classical Studies through the OU

Eddie lived in Stainton and joined Probus in February 2023 with Chris Griffiths. He was enduring significant ill-health at the time. He did renew his Probus Club membership but only managed a handful of Meetings. So, Eddie never really managed to enjoy his membership and the club missed out on a real character.

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Brian John Dinsdale
10th July 1948 – 20th February 2025  

Brian was born on the 10th July 1948 in Northallerton and passed away peacefully in JCH on the 20th February aged 76.
A Service led by the Revd. Tessa Stephens was held at St Mary’s Church, Nunthorpe Mon.17th March.
Bob Scott and myself attended. It was packed; a sign of the man.
I arrived 30 minutes early and the car park was full. Bob arrived 60 minutes early so was in the front stalls.
I sat next to Doris: a neighbour from Brian’s first Nunthorpe home.

Brian was a twin. His brother Ken was born 10 minutes after him.
He attended primary schools in Northallerton followed by Allertonshire Secondary School. After leaving school he attended Darlington Technical College and excelled in maths.
He gained employment at NY County Hall Finance Dept. where he met Gillian.
She invited him on a date to the Speedway and marriage followed.
Employment took him to several places across the North before he joined CCC as Assistant Treasurer.
In 1976 he moved to Nunthorpe and their daughter Sarah followed in 1980.
In 1988 Brian became CEO in Hartlepool.

Brian enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a Local Authority Officer. He was Chief Executive Officer in Hartlepool for 15 years.
He played a key role in Regeneration Projects including significant developments at Hartlepool Marina and the Middleton Grange Shopping Centre.
He was instrumental in Hartlepool becoming a Unitary Authority in 1996 which saw the abolition of Cleveland County Council. Services, such as Education and Social Services, were transferred to the Unitary Authority.
Brian left a significant legacy and was held in the highest regard. He was awarded an OBE in 2002

He retired in 2010 after two years as CEO and Consultancy work in Middlesbrough.
He served as Clerk to the Cleveland Fire Authority. He served on the Board at North Tees Hospital.
He worked for the 13 Housing Association. He was a Board Member for several Charities.

 

n 1995 he moved to De Brus Park in Nunthorpe; walking distance to the Golf Club where he became Treasurer.
Brian led an ‘understated’ lifestyle. He was known for his boots, purchased at Tesco and worn on virtually every occasion.
Brian and Gill loved playing Bridge every Saturday night. He was a Member of Rotary.
He completed the first of several Great North Runs in 1997.
He loved family holidays especially to New York.
He had grandchildren in 2012 and 2014 and loved discussing historical issues with them.
He enjoyed gardening especially growing raspberries.
He was once filling his Green Bin but fell in breaking several ribs and couldn’t climb out.

Brian was a committed Christian and a Member of St Mary’s Church where he was an outstanding Treasurer. His Reports were lucid, well-presented and appreciated.
He was highly respected with affection for his support of the Church and its Members.

Brian joined Probus on 15th January 2019 proposed by Maj Chuhan and Bob Scott.
Unfortunately, Brian suffered serious ill-health, Cancer, in 2022.
He received treatment in Southampton and enjoyed remission for a while before the Cancer returned in 2024.
He stood down from membership at the 2024 AGM. He was keen to return so asked to be kept on the regular mailing list so that he was always up-to-date. Brian and Keith: coffee catch-up at Arcadia.

Donations in lieu of flowers were requested for St Mary’s Church. A small Probus donation was given.  

A wake was held at Middlesbrough Golf Club, Brass Castle Lane.
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Mike Irving
29th June 1935 - ?? June 2025

Mike was born in Middlesbrough in 1935 and passed away in June aged 89;
a few days short of his 90th birthday.
A Service, which was streamed, was held for Mike at Banbury Crematorium. on 27th June.
Mike was educated at West Hartlepool Grammar School.
He joined Probus in September 2014 proposed by Alwyn Boulby and Seconded by
Terry Ratcliffe.
He was semi-retired at the time having lived in the area with his wife Lovaine, for 56 years and in Stokesley from the early 90s.
He married Lovaine in 1959 and had two daughters and five grandchildren.
Mike was a qualified Tees Bay River Pilot for 36 years.
He was a midshipman and navigating officer on cargo and passenger ships, colliers and tankers. He was Technical Adviser to Trinity House Pilots Committee.
He listed his interests as Photography and Rotary.
He was a Founder President of Stokesley Rotary Club and in 2012 received a long service award as a Member.
He was a Member of both Redcar and Stokesley Round Tables.
He was a founder Member of SPIOTA (Stokesley Pride in our Town Association) and enjoyed his role as Chairman.
In 1952 Mike achieved the Queen’s Scout Badge and was presented to the
Duke of Edinburgh.
Mike experienced serious health problems through 2021 starting when he was a Speaker on a cruise ship. He collapsed and was admitted to several hospitals. He was diagnosed with sepsis and pneumonia and flown home. Mike recovered in Stokesley but moved with Lovaine to Chipping Norton on 9th June 2021.
He was booked for Probus on the 19th March 2019 to present his Talk on
The Mystery of Easter Island. Unfortunately, that talk was cancelled.
He was a lovely man and great raconteur.

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John Terence Ratcliffe (Terry)

29th December 1937 - 31st July 2025

Terry was born on the 29th Dec.1937 in Lancashire and passed away
on 31st July 2025 aged 87
He spent his school years in Battle passing the 11+
His first job was with Battle Borough Council.
He attended Manchester College of Science and Technology earning a Degree.
He also attended courses at Bradford University.
Then, Terry discovered the Yorkshire Dales and Moors prompting a house move.

He met Judith. They spent most of their time at the Astoria.
They married in Battle in 1956 and honeymooned in Paris.
They spent over 60 years cycling, canoeing, camping, touring Spain, Italy and France.
T&J relocated to the NE living on Cargo Fleet Lane, Earlsdon Ave in Acklam, Seamer and finally in Stokesley from 1966.
Terry was described as unconventional parent. He took his son to London and left him at the Underground. He had a map, some money and a penknife for protection. Survival skills.
Terry filled the lives of his family with experiences such as visiting museums, climbing, baking, knot-making, sharpening knives and playing games with jokes. He loved animals and built a stable for his special passion for horses. He advised the children to be brave but safe.

Terry spent his career as Middlesbrough Borough Engineer and Surveyor.
At 37 he was the youngest ever Chief Borough Engineer serving from 1972 until the abolition of CCC in 1996.
He was well respected for his leadership, management and humour.
Terry Chaired many Regional committees throughout his enterprising career.
Responsibilities included the development of Coulby Newham and Hemlington, new retail spaces, reducing pollution in the Tees, the construction of two multi-story car parks,
the development of the Bus Station and the Crematorium.  
In fact, a little irony; Middlesbrough Crematorium and Chapel opened in 1961.
On Friday 6th September 1985 there was an Official Opening of the extension with a dedication from the Bishop of Whitby.
This is marked with a plaque on the wall outside. Terry’s name is on it as the Borough Engineer and Surveyor. (John Foster’s name is also listed as CEO).
And the wit of our Members:
Chris Lee wondered why Terry had not built it big enough for his own funeral…
and Alwyn Boulby, over a pint in the Black Swan in Stokesley, wondered if Terry might
self-combust in this heat wave.

A Service for Terry was held in St Bede’s Chapel on Thurs. 14th August.
A double session was booked. The Chapel and Annexe room were full.
Friends were watching from outside areas.

John Rhind, Bob Blakey, Alwyn Boulby, Michael Westgarth-Taylor, Chris Lee and myself all attended. (Sorry if I missed anyone).
Terry’s two daughters, four granddaughters and many family members attended.
The Celebrant was Dawn Vincent. She led the main eulogy.

A daughter read a second eulogy and another daughter and granddaughter shared a third one.
Many words and phrases describing Terry were repeated throughout the Service.
He was described as practical, inventive and unstoppable with ingenuity and a love for solving challenges.
He had a passion for cycling including a switch to e-bikes in his 70s and keeping a significant recording log.
He followed a strict Planning regime for everything especially cycling holidays including in India, Vietnam and most of Europe. He learned welding and built his own bicycle frame.
He led the introduction of a cycleway system throughout the Borough including the Joint Cycle and Pedestrian system on Keith Rd. opened by the Transport Minister.
He had a love for people and stories.
His enjoyment of humour and jokes included mischief. He created a Club with two Members. Terry and his friend. He nominated his friend as Secretary and himself as President.
They had an annual awards ceremony.
He would wear a monocle and use clever nicknames for everyone.
He had a passion for reading, research, the outdoors and conversation.
He learned Spanish at night school.
There was a story about Terry and his brother using gunpowder and setting the curtains alight.
He was strong, could bend a 6” nail.             He could rip telephone directories in half.
He was adventurous and loved animals.       
He volunteered at a Farm loving the work with horses.
He enjoyed all aspects of DIY challenges and finding solutions;
including roofing, insulation and heating.

He lived his life with determination, curiosity and the right amount of mischief.
He was an adventurous man leaving us with a grin and lasting memories.

He was a Member of Rotary until the formation of The Other Club.
He featured in the Town Crier Magazine several times including as Rotary President from 2010 to 2011 and receiving a Club Banner from visiting Rotarians from Australia.
Terry joined Probus in March 2011. He was proposed by ??? and Seconded by me.
He stepped down from membership in August 2024 for health reasons with his heart.
Terry’s hobbies were listed as Walking, Cycling, Photography, DIY and travelling in France.

Refreshments were prepared at The Dudley Arms in Ingleby Greenhow.
Donations were requested for Cycling UK. I made a small donation for Probus.

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