By Gareth Evans

Tony Asquith, a familiar figure during his working life - both as a textile designer and weaver in the Craven District, as well as his native West Yorkshire, and a much-loved coach driver around Malhamdale and beyond - has died peacefully at the age of 83.

Born the first child of Wilfred and Kathleen Asquith in Horton, Bradford, Tony spent his childhood around the city where he was educated at Grange Grammar School, before going up to the University of Leeds to study Textiles.

Whilst undertaking work experience as a student at Bottomley’s Buttershaw worsted mill, he met fellow Bradfordonian, and his future wife, Judy. And following completion of his national service at the RAF stations at Leconfield and Leeming, they were married and set up home at Ben Rhydding in 1962.

Tony ran the family textile business for many years, based mainly in Huddersfield - but with an additional mill in Stroud and a London office on St John’s Square. He had an exceptional talent for textile design, and created some renowned ‘double-cloth’ patterns that were used by Savile Row tailors. He also produced fine woollens and worsteds, high- quality cloth for billiard and snooker tables and fabric for armed forces uniforms - including those worn on military service by the current Prince of Wales.

In 1972 - and by now with three daughters - Tony and Judy moved from the Ilkley area to live in Malham. From there they continued to run the textile business, initially in a converted barn, and subsequently in a purpose-built weaving shed behind the new family home.

Away from business, Tony had a passion for buses and trains from transport’s bygone era. But as the textile industry declined nationally, he was fortunate enough to achieve two things in work that many can only dream of - by turning one aspect of his hobby into an additional career, and becoming a local legend in the process!

So it was that, aged 40, he successfully gained his Public Service Vehicle operator licence to drive buses - most notably for Bibbys of Ingleton, with whom he enjoyed his longest-running and most recent association, continuing, remarkably, to work part-time until the outbreak of Covid-19 that brought his driving to an unexpected end not long before he turned 82.

Tony was an acclaimed master of the roads and lanes of the Dales. He drove the Malhamdale school bus for many years.

His knowledge and helpfulness while working for the Holiday Fellowship saw him honoured by the company on several occasions as its Driver of the Year - with the welcome prize of a free holiday each time!

Tony’s death at Airedale Hospital came only 17 months following the sudden loss of Judy. A proud, loving family man, he is survived by daughters Penny, Jacquie and Rachel, a sister Jane, and a grandson Rhys.