Sadden by the news

While we were enjoying the weather on Saturday we saw the Air Ambulance helicopter circle overhead. Sadly it was for Mr Brian Braithwaite Exley, a stalwart of Austwick since 1948. His main interests were rugby football, field sports, local government and education and he has always been very active in rural and village life.
Being a former Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, and a Deputy Chairman of Staincliffe Magistrates sitting in Skipton, Settle and Ingleton, Vice Chairman of Skipton Building Society and Chairman of Austwick Parish Council, you will see what I mean!
He had vast experience in local government included Settle Rural District Council, the West Riding County Council, the North Yorkshire County Council and the Yorkshire Dales National Park and was Chairman of the West Riding Town and Country Planning Committee and a member of the Yorkshire and Humberside Economic Planning Committee. Also he had been a governor of many of the local schools. He is survived by his wife Barbara, two sisters who were evidently having a picnic when he was taken ill, and son serving in the forces presently in Afghanistan. On a bum note, of recent times he sold land in Pant Lane much to the annoyance of some locals. There really is a us and them culture coming through! Sad how such material things can cause so much pain! Although I only knew the gentleman because of Mum, I think I will pay respect if I can get down for his funeral.