Bryan was born and bred in Saddleworth and his life reflects the history of hill farming in the South Pennines in the latter half of the 20th Century.
His origins were humble and like many of his generation he was required to leave school in order to begin work and contribute to the family income.
As a young man he was a keen rugby player for Saddleworth Rangers; ‘not fast but unstoppable’, often to be seen heading for the try line with several opponents hanging from him – quite believable if you knew him in his prime. Indeed his bob hat with the Saddleworth Rangers’ badge was placed on top of his coffin.
For a big man he was a good ballroom dancer and as a handsome young man he was never short of partners, his teachers recognised his talents and he was asked to act as MC at ballroom dances for the Students Union – I can imagine him taking it in his stride. But his heart was set on becoming a hill farmer and he took every opportunity to develop and extend his farming knowledge becoming qualified and expert in many areas. Always a generous man he shared his knowledge and expertise willingly. He became a respected teacher. Bryan excelled at rearing animals and in a challenging environment at different times he successfully bred and reared mice, pigs, sheep and cattle. His White Short Horn and Galloway cattle were his pride and joy and he was regarded as an expert receiving international regard from other breeders who came from far and wide to learn from him at Burnedge Bent Farm.
In dry stone walling circles he was famous. He was the founder of the Lancashire Branch, its mentor and principle instructor for many years and the branch consider Burnedge Bent Farm as their base. Most of the older members were taught by him and remember that experience with fondness. It was always a joy to have a day with Bryan as he was invariably a kindly teacher and he could tell you that you had made a mess of things without being discouraging. I never spent a day with Bryan without learning something significant and like many others I came to regard him as a real friend. He was a Master Craftsman and his walling expertise and experience placed him on a much bigger stage; as a member of the management committee for more than 40 years and the national president for several years he took an active and very keen interest in the affairs of the DSWA. He had superb social skills and was naturally friendly and quite at home with aristocrats and royalty alike; I wonder how many people got Christmas cards from the Duchess of Devonshire invariably signed ‘Debbie’, but he never forgot his roots and was always available to give advice and guidance to the branch.
Bryan had a warm personality and he liked the company of wallers and he contributed hugely and generously to our social occasions over tater pie and a pint. Happily In recent years Bryan managed to write an autobiography entitled ‘Bryan Hough – Farmer and so much more’ which he leaves as a legacy of his full and varied life.
We will remember Bryan as a profoundly good man, a gentle man and a gentleman. He was kindly and generous natured and always pleasant to be with.
He was our president and we are deeply saddened at his passing. We feel proud to have known him and he will be greatly missed.
Donations in his memory were made to Dr Kershaw’s Hospice which the branch has supported for many years and where Bryan was cared for in the final days of his life.
Of course our thoughts at this time are with Rose and family to whom we extend our love and sincere condolences.
Chris Bolshaw on behalf of the Lancashire Branch DSWA