Andrew Titley – [Heath 1966–1973]
Andrew Titley died of a heart attack on 12 January 2020. He lived in Luddendenfoot and, after leaving college, worked for engineering firm Asquith Butler in Brighouse. He ran the computing section there before the firm closed down, but returned when it re-opened as their stock and materials controller.
Andrew met his wife Liz in 1982 and the couple married in 1988. As well as daughter Rachel, they have a son Rick.
Rachel said:
My parents met while morris dancing on Blue Peter, and I actually got them on The One Show a few years ago.
He was a scout leader, and Garry Stringfellow went along and said ‘we’re starting the Rushbearing Festival next year and you’re all cart pullers.’
He was witty, he’d be very quiet but suddenly he would drop one line into the conversation that was absolutely perfect. Then he would start a long anecdote which you knew was worth staying to hear it.
Everyone got on with him. As a dad he was fun to be around, I remember him taking us up Pen-y-ghent. He was a good friend. He had some wonderful stories.
Sowerby Bridge Morris Dancers recalled that he was a founding member of the Sowerby Bridge Morris Dancers as a result of his involvement in the Rushbearing Festival [alongside Roger Maude]. He served as Squire of the Morris Dancers for a number of years in the 80s and 90s and, when the side was revived in 2012, he was happy to resume dancing and to pass on his knowledge, skills and, not least, stories to the new team.
In his spare time, he would visit morris dancing festivals and events, was interested in local history, loved walking and volunteered as a steward at running events.
His funeral took place at Park Wood Crematorium on 30 January 2020 after which everyone was invited to the Barge and Barrel for morris dancing, food and conversation.
With thanks to Rachel Titley