SKIPTON bid farewell to two popular residents whose joint funeral services took place at the town’s St Stephen’s Church on January 13.

Mourners spilled out into the church grounds when all seating and standing room was filled as the services took place for John and Beverley Taylor following their deaths in tragic circumstances at their home in Regent Crescent on December 21.

Skipton’s ‘Mr Sport’, Roger Ingham, himself still in deep shock, has spoken about the ‘immensely fulfilling lives’ of the couple he knew as ‘Bev’ and ‘Tink’.

He writes while recounting fond memories: “Bev - Bernard, by her maiden name - came from Trinidad with her mum Lorna and her two brothers, Michael ‘Mick’ and Keith Bernard when all three youngsters were still of primary school or early secondary school age. And it would not be long before Bev and youngest brother Keith, would be making a telling impact on the Craven sporting scene. Firstly at Aireville School where Bev would be particularly recalled, through her bolting up in the sprint at the annual school sports day, and adding the long-jump title for good measure. She also proved to be a key figure in the school netball and basketball teams.

“Regrettably though there was not the same span of opportunity, as of today, for females in the ‘out of school’ curricula midst that late 1960s, early 1970s era. However, Bev would become a valued and committed member of the eventually founded Skipton Matchmakers Netball Club in the later 1970s and beyond.

“Meantime there would be other significant family happenings. Firstly on a joyous note through the arrival of a half-brother, Ian, who himself would eventually set the local sporting world alight. But, a few short years later, Bev’s youngest brother, Keith - already having shone from early teenage years in local cricket and football with Skipton LMS - would regrettably lose his own life in a freak climbing accident when aged just 21.

"Heartbreaking though this tragic misfortune would be, the Bernard family displayed the kind of gritty fortitude, thus to enable them to eventually rise above adversity and resume their familiar glowing trend of evoking smiles aplenty to all around. And, amongst it all, once having joined - Bev would typically blow a breath of fresh air into the netball club.

"Indeed, when it was decided to tackle a parachute descent as a means of raising funds for local sporting facilities, Bev would typically feature as one of the spirited volunteers who were prepared to take up the challenge.

"For Bev though, things did not quite work out as initially planned. Her descent from high above the edge of Morecambe Bay was pristine perfect, but unfortunately her landing was not and the end result was a broken leg, ironically only a fortnight before her marriage to John. Bev though, being Bev, she smiled through the pain and her accomplice down the aisle was, therefore, a pair of crutches."

Roger continues: "Away from the sporting arena, Bev would be particularly revered for her Tupperware parties. Also midst party-time of a more revelling nature where she became a star to behold. Karaoke, rock, pop, rap, reggae…Bev could rival the lot. Indeed, even when undertaking the housework, windows open, she could typically brighten up the entire neighbourhood with her own indigenous version of ‘music while you work’.

"Meanwhile, of Skipton roots and also attending Aireville via Skipton Parish Church Primary School, John Taylor - who has an elder sister, Judith, living in Scotland - himself had likewise embraced the sporting ethos from an early age. Swimming would be his prime forte. As a member of Skipton Swimming Club he flew high in both the Yorkshire and also the North Eastern Counties Championships.

"John also figured prominently for Skipton at rugby, and for whom he was able to add a dash of his swimming alacrity by thrice anchoring the rugby club to record breaking victories in the prestigious Clubs and Workshops relay championship which then prevailed in the 1960’s and 70’s at the former Aireville Pool.

"John’s swimming prowess would also become a notable feature on family outings and holidays. And, it would not be an uncommon feature for him to swim out and back to a far-reaching island, or plough far out to sea with one of his children on his back.

"His employment in the engineering field included him working in the oil fields and it was through this pre-occupation that he developed a keen interest in the evolution of natural crystal, whereby his exploratory travels included him visiting far away places such as Mexico and Peru.

"Having made their own distinguished marks in the sporting World, John and Beverley were understandably keen to see their two daughters, Rachel, Sarah – a twin to David – and youngest brother, Simon enjoy their own opportunities.

"At varying levels, and in varying sporting codes, all shone luxuriantly, and not least of all Sarah who once remarkably won Yorkshire titles in both athletics and swimming in the same month.

"‘Shining luxuriantly’ has to be a befitting defining line in concluding a heart-felt appreciation of the eminent contribution which Bev and John Taylor had made for the betterment of this turbulent World and society. But, when all the trauma of this recent terrible happening has evaporated, this devoted Skipton couple should hopefully be remembered by the sincere friendship, smiles and laughter which they had radiated across many, many people."

Roger added a footnote: "A magnificent amount of £1,200 was contributed at the funeral service at St Stephen's Church, all in aid of mental health foundation MIND. Others missing out on the church collection are still welcome to donate in Bev and John's memory. On behalf of the family, sincere thanks are conveyed to all who so generously contributed."