Much-loved stalwart will be sadly missed

TOUCHING tributes have been paid to Saddleworth stalwart Peter Bradbury, who has died aged 92.

A pillar of the community for many years, Peter was the late chairman and managing director of J Bradbury and Co, who ran the Alexandra and Dam Head mills in Uppermill and Stonebottom Mill in Dobcross.

He died peacefully in his sleep after a short illness on Sunday, March 27. Mr Bradbury lived a varied life after serving with distinction throughout the Second World War. He was involved in the retreat to Dunkirk.

Son-in-law Patrick Dawson said: “They said he was allowed to take one uniform with him so he chose the best, full dress uniform.

“He was motoring gently through the French countryside in a car he had liberated when British soldiers hijacked the car at gun point, leaving Peter walking along the road.

“I think they just fancied a drive, but he was very resourceful, he made his way back.”

Mr Bradbury later took up the place in the family business that had built the Alexandra Mill in 1860 and eventually sold the mills and relocated the business to Huddersfield where it still operates today. But it was his work in the community that many will fondly remember him for.

Mr Bradbury served as a parish councillor during the 1960s and was a founder of Saddleworth Civic Trust.

He also went on to form Saddleworth Chamber Concerts Society.

Patrick added: “He was always very smart and a true old-fashioned gentleman.

“He was a very quiet man until he suddenly started telling all these fascinating stories.

“Peter was dedicated to Saddleworth and much-loved, he will be greatly missed.

“He was a proud and fastidious man and always tried to do things right.”

He leaves behind two sons, David and Rodney; daughter Vivien; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.