Keith Brumby
Keith was born to
Parents Harry and Elsie on the 25th of October 1938 here in Haxey on
the Nooking. He was the youngest of 3 children, having an older sister Maureen
and older brother Colin. He attended Haxey local village school.He grew up living on
Vinehall Road until the family moved to a house called “Goodwin” on The Nooking
in the mid-1950s: this was a small holding where Keith loved to help his dad
grow different vegetables including leeks, cabbages, cauliflowers, and later
pumpkins, which they sold to various market stall holders, and to passers-by at
the front of their house. In their younger days
Keith and his brother Colin enjoyed a bit of poaching and would often go over
the local field shooting. Keith didn’t drive, so
he would cycle everywhere, including getting to and from work. It was while
cycling to work at Axes Poultry Farm in Owston Ferry that he caught Kath’s eye
and they soon started courting. He also worked for a
short while at Newel Dumfords in Misterton before going to work at local
Pilkingtons Farm in Graizelound. He did all kinds of farm work which included
driving tractors and working the land. He loved his job on the farm. The family
would often hear stories of which fields he’d worked on, and tales of the
antics he got up to with fellow workers.
On 18th December 1965 he and Kath were married at St Martin’s Church, Owston Ferry and had 58 years of happy marriage, living for most of those years at Goodwin, before moving to Sadler’s Way around 14 years ago. He loved living in the Avenue. Over the years they both enjoyed many happy trips out with family and friends. Keith loved shopping trips to Doncaster, Scunthorpe, and Gainsborough. In later years he would phone his nieces to see if a Saturday trip to Gainsborough market was on the cards for the weekend plan. On getting into Gainsborough his first stop being the Redhill Farm Stall for his favourite purchase, the pork pie. He would often buy more than one, usually several, as he’d take them back home for his neighbours. After shopping he’d always ask if they were having fish and chips before going home or calling off at a pub for food so he could have a pint with his dinner.
Keith seemed content with life, he’d often mention playing darts for his local pub when he was younger: they’d travel to different pubs in the area. Also, he’d often be seen with Kath on a Saturday night at the Duke William joining in the sing-a-longs with friends. He like to watch a bit of boxing too. Until recent years there were always several pet dogs around. Keith had a dry sense of humour and would often phone a family member for a chat and he’d end up telling them a joke or two.
And finally, I’m sure everyone always got the same
response when asking “are you all right Keith” he’d reply “no I’m half left”.