27th October 1931 – 3rd July 2021
Brian was born at the Nags Head Inn, Mappowder as the middle son of Edward and Laura Harvey.He had two brothers – Roy and Michael. In 1960 he married Margaret (Newcombe), who was sadly taken from him by a long standing illness in 1992.
The family lived at Humber Hill Farm, Mappowder, and Brian farmed alongside his mother, Auntie Margaret and Reg, mostly as a dairy farm – though for a while there were also pigs and chickens.
Haymaking was hard work, with farming neighbours & family pitching in to help get the hay in. Brian’s decision to stack some bales on the roof of a car on one occasion may not have been one of his better ones!
On his retirement in 1998 Brian moved to Hazelbury Bryan. Retirement gave him more opportunity to enjoy life, and to do the things he loved. But he wasn’t quite ready to give up outdoor life completely – alongside his good friend Ronnie Taylor he took on some gardening and traditional hedge laying.
Leisure time was spent doing a variety of things – he was a regular at Wincanton Racecourse, enjoyed taking steam train trips around the UK, he was interested in flying and military aircraft and he attended air shows whenever he could.
He also had part ownership in a greyhound ‘Quivers Angel’ with his friend Richard Ford, which led to many outings to Poole to see a race.
Brian always enjoyed music and comedy, particularly The Goons (The Ying Tong Song was played at his funeral). Trips to The Exchange provided an opportunity to see more live music and comedy; Jethro was a favourite. Before ill heath stopped him driving Brian could often be found in The Exchange Cafe on a Tuesday morning, having a chat and catching up with friends.
Brian played skittles for many years for The Crusaders in the Blackmore Vale League, and occasionally for the Hunt League; the social side of the game seemed to play a greater part than the actual score!
Some may also remember him as ‘The Mayor of Mappowder’ – complete with mayoral chain made from a milk churn lid and cubicle chain… His one and only official engagement was to present a cup to the winners of a charity football match at The Antelope, Hazelbury Bryan.
Brian leaves a daughter, Helen, and son in law Tim, as well as many friends, with treasured memories.
The funeral has taken place but donations in Brian’s memory can be made for The Exchange or The Injured Jockeys Fund through Peter Jackson Funeral Services.
