Eric Briggs 1927 - 2023  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                             

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We were very sad to hear of the death of one of our oldest residents on January 16th this year. Eric Briggs was known to so many of us in the village, having lived at 14, Church Terrace for longer than we can remember. Many of you will have seen him sitting out in his front garden on a sunny afternoon, ready to pass the time of day with anyone who stopped by. Others will have seen him early morning, elbows on his bedroom windowsill, watching the world rush by!                                                                             

 

Eric was born in Thurstonland on February 24th, 1927. His father died young - a survivor of the 1st World War, and a hard life down the pit and the quarries, he died of consumption at the age of 38. Eric’s mother Agnes brought him up, working long hours at the Thurstonland Council Offices to feed a family in the days before the Welfare State.                                                                                    

 

Eric started work young, labouring with his uncles on the farm, but also as an apprentice joiner. Eventually he started work at Broadbents, and worked all over Europe as a machine fitter.            

 

Back at home, Eric enjoyed a variety of roles in village life: at various times, he managed the church boiler; he was caretaker at Farnley First School; he was Secretary of the Bowling Club and he played cricket for Thurstonland. He loved cricket and was happy to move into the 21st century with Sky Sports, so he could watch the test matches!

 

Sadly, Eric lost his wife, Margaret, back in 2007. They met in Wales when he was in the army. They had two daughters, Helen and Gwyneth (who tragically died in an air accident).                                 Eric is survived by daughter Helen, grandchildren Anita and Sam and great granddaughter Joni.

 

There is to be a private family cremation, but villagers and friends who would like to remember Eric are welcome to join us in the recreation ground Community Garden on Sunday, March 5th at 12.00, to plant a rose in Eric’s memory, and afterwards we hope to enjoy a drink in the Golden Cock, just as Eric used to do once upon a time!