Its been a while since we had a member profile and this week it is one that has been in the planning for some time.
Gibby , as he is affectionately known to the club members came from a family business based at Sherburn-in Elmet, making waggons and coaches, many for the South Africian Railways.
He trained as a draughtsman with Blackburn Aircraft, at Sherburn-in -Elmet before moving to Yeadon designing for the Lancaster Bomber.
He had hoped to join the Fleet Air Arm but his work on the Lancaster was a Reserved Occupation.
At one stage Gibby designed the Frank Kershaw machines which made and dispensed tea.
After the war Gibby took up Market Gardening with his own market stall. A life long gardener, and designer of gardens, he also had a keen interest in country pursuits, such as shooting and particularly salmon fishing. He has travelled the length and breadth of the British Isles to fish the best salmon rivers. He built a smokery in his garage where he cures and smokes his own fish.
His love of gardening , shooting, fishing, good food and cooking led Gibby and his wife Rita to take over the Oakville Hotel in 1960, when news of the chef and his excellent food soon spread.
Gibby is also a very talented photographer and artist and a very loyal member of Monk Fryston Art Club.
We proudly celebrated his 90th birthday last year and he holds the distinction of being our Oldest Member.
