Brian was born in Accrington before the family eventually moved to Rochdale; this led to him attending Castlemere School and then evening classes in order to obtain the School Certificate he needed to gain teacher training college entrance, but then the war intervened.

After Army service Brian became a student at Sheffield Training College. Qualifying to become a teacher, he began his career in Sheffield before returning to Rochdale and Cronkeyshaw Primary School where he spent the next 37 years, the last 19 of them as head teacher. Brian much preferred a classroom role, where he particularly enjoyed the opportunities for drama. One of his achievements was helping to revive the local Pace Egging tradition at Easter, with a drama based on St George and the dragon.

Brian was a keen sportsman, playing rugby until injury intervened and cricket until the age of 54 and became secretary, then chairman, of the local School Sports Association and president of the local branch of the N.U.T. Through school he also met Margaret, his first wife, and they were blessed with the birth of Barbara and Daniel.

Then there was his considerable collection of cigarette cards - some of them quite early examples. He read extensively; was very fond of music; was a keen gardener; enjoyed cooking and was an enthusiastic fell-walker too. For many years he was closely involved with amateur stage productions, both with Sunday School groups and with the prestigious Rochdale Curtain Theatre.

Following his move to Preston, Brian joined Preston Drama Club and also became actively involved in drama here at Fulwood Methodist Church. He wrote, directed and performed; he designed, constructed and painted sets; he did lighting, sound effects and stage management; he even cashed up, brewed up and swept up! He’s still remembered for his Fagin in the church’s production of ‘Oliver’ and for his ‘Fulwood Follies’ concerts arranged as part of the Men’s Weekends.

Brian became a member of the AM Club, attended the Wednesday morning prayer and communion service and served as a Communion Steward – mainly in the evenings.

In 1988 Brian had gone out to the Philippines, had met Rita and married her. Three years later he returned to Preston with his new wife. In later years he would talk about his love of his family, especially his five grandchildren, but he also acknowledged how much he owed to Rita. He said that the unexpectedly long extension to his life had been entirely due to her selfless devotion to his care.

Over the last few years Brian wrote a number of poems, some of which have already appeared in the Fulwood Methodist church magazine. With the help of Roy Smith and John Butterworth these have been put together in ‘A Garland of Sumnerisms’. Copies of which are still available. The profits from which go to church funds; a lasting reminder of Brian. Please contact church if you would like a copy.