Derek Bradley (39-49) was born on the 6 July 1931 at Tingley House in Morley, Leeds. He was the son of Richard and Margaret Bradley and younger brother to Kenneth. His family were involved in the textile industry and part owned a woollen mill.

His early years were spent in Morley and at eight years old he went with his brother to Pocklington School. As war was imminent, his parents felt he would be safer away from Leeds in a more rural location. This proved otherwise as Pocklington probably saw more war action than Leeds, but as an excited youngster this didn’t seem to faze him!

His first day at school coincided with the outbreak of war in 1939. The main York/Hull railway line which ran parallel to the school was targeted and bombed early on. An aerodrome was built next to the school playing fields, and Derek spent many hours watching Wellington bombers take off and land. He recounted many stories about this period in his life – the pilots coming into the dormitories at night, regaling the boys with tales of their sorties.

Whilst at school, he developed a love of rugby which continued throughout his life. He played hooker for the first team at school and was selected for a Yorkshire school boys' trial. He was also a member of the school gymnastics team and a member of the Athletics sub-committee.

After Pocklington, Derek went to Askham Bryan College to study agriculture; he had been told that only the eldest brother from each family was allowed to enter the textile business so one of his uncles suggested farming due to the post-war food shortages. During his time at college, he acquired all the skills necessary for farming and took a live-in placement working on a beef farm at Cayton near Scarborough.

His working life began at West Moor Farm in Finghall. It was purchased by his mother and he paid her rent to cover the cost. He came to Finghall on Coronation Day in 1953 as a single man and a farm to run on his own.  It was a small 100-acre dairy farm with a small flock of hens which were housed in one of the rooms in the farmhouse!

During his early years at West Moor, he met Elizabeth at a local dance. As a farmer’s daughter, a nurse, and midwife, she liked to get stuck in and was a no-nonsense, down-to-earth person. Their relationship blossomed and two years later they were married.

In 1957, their first child, Gillian arrived, followed by Richard and Rachel in due course. Life on the farm was always busy. Elizabeth gave up nursing to be at home to help and raise the family. Initially, West Moor Farm was a dairy farm and Derek converted the old byre to install a chute parlour which he designed and built himself to speed up the milking process. The hens were moved out of the main house and into purpose built rearing and laying units built with grants available post-war to encourage efficient farming.

Pigs were also introduced, and Derek designed and built all the pig units to house them. Gradually he came out of dairy to concentrate his efforts on pigs and poultry.

Outside of farming, his interest in rugby never waned. He was involved in Wensleydale Rugby Club initiating the purchase of church land to secure a permanent site for the clubhouse at Cawkill Park. He went on to become Treasurer and President of the club for several years and latterly enjoyed many a Saturday afternoon sat in the car on the touchline watching the matches.

Semi-retirement beckoned in 1991 when son Richard married and moved into the farmhouse. Derek moved to Mawer’s Close in Leyburn designing and assisting with the building of the house. A dedicated family man, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sadly, Elizabeth passed away in 2012 leaving Derek on his own. He carried on undeterred, finding new activities and friends. He regularly attended services at St Andrews Church, Finghall where was the Treasurer for several years, completing the January 2024 monthly accounts shortly before he died on 18 February 2024. Derek lived a long, healthy, and full life and ended his days at Mawer’s Close, the dream home he had helped design and build.

(Richard Bradley and Rachel Bradley)