Ivan Horsley
My father Ivan Horsley was born in 1924 in Grangetown (near Middlesbrough). The 27th of July this year would have been his 95th birthday.
His parents were Emma (‘Lena’) and John William Horsley. My grandmother was a housewife. My grandfather worked as a maintenance engineer on the railways in and around Consett Steelworks. My grandfather was also one of the caretakers at the original Middle Street Chapel in Consett.
My dad grew up in Sherburn Terrace in Consett. He went to school just a few streets away.
In 1942 he was ‘called up’ and joined the Royal Air Force as an aircraft instrument mechanic. After basic training, he took part in the British invasion of Malaysia in September 1945.
A non-swimmer, he later told of his terror as he found himself wading ashore up to his neck in water carrying a full military kit, on Morib Beach south west of Kuala Lumpur. The troops had been told they should expect to be bombarded by Japanese forces. Drowning was a constant fear. But luck was with him. The Japanese had surrendered and moved back.
After the war ended, my dad began working at Consett Iron Company in the plate department. He studied hard to gain qualifications which would help him in his career. At the Consett Iron Company he met Jean Stonehouse.
My parents married in 1950 on 15th July in Middle Street Chapel in Consett. Years later, after the chapel was demolished, a supermarket was built on the same site. My dad used to joke that he took his vows ‘at the bacon counter’. On their Golden wedding anniversary in 2000 my parents travelled to Singapore to retake their vows in the Wesleyan Chapel. My dad had spent a lot of time in the Chapel during the war and used to play the organ there. The service was attended by their many friends living in Singapore and was a special time. This year would have been my parents 69th wedding anniversary.
I was born in 1953, and in 1955 we moved to East Law near Shotley Bridge. My sister Margo was born at East Law four years later. We all moved to Darras Hall in 1971. My parents remained at Darras Hall for 41 years before moving south to Eastleigh in 2016 to be nearer Margo.
In 1952, my dad joined Burgess Microswitch on the Team Valley Estate in Gateshead. He was the production and procurement manager for many years before moving into more senior roles. He finally worked as a consultant for the firm, supporting developments in Canada and Germany. He retired at 65. There followed many trips to the Far East, visiting old friends and making new ones
He maintained contact with many of the people he met when he was in Malaysia, including their children and grandchildren. My parents hosted doctors from all over the world because of Jean’s connections with the Freeman Teaching Hospital in Newcastle.
One of my dad’s passions was music. He was an accomplished piano player and loved singing. My parents were both members of the Consett Citizens Choir for fifty-three years, and my dad was still Vice President when he died. They took part in many choir concerts, some televised. They also performed in many of the choir pantomimes at the Empire theatre in Consett and in Stanley. These were often family affairs with Margo and I taking part too. The choir appeared on the television programme Opportunity Knocks in 1971. Unfortunately, despite a brilliant performance they didn’t win. The choir also made an LP record with Owen Brannigan.
My dad was blessed with 5 grandchildren – Emily, Jennifer, Jenna, Jeremy and Jason. He also considered Yuan from Beijing, an ‘adopted granddaughter’. Yuan spent many summer holidays with my parents when she was growing up.
My dad was kind, generous of spirit and principled. He was known for his sensitivity, his humour and his willingness to listen. He will also be remembered as a gentleman who owned many colourful ties (especially his Chinese ties), which he loved to wear(!)
My dad will continue to be an outstanding role model for myself, Margo, his grandchildren and all those who have had the good fortune to get to know him.
Brian And Margo Horsley 14th September, 2019