Pictured from left to right: Robin Gallagher, Stephen Guy and Alan Smith

2020 has been a year of many twists and turns; the year the world locked down, as it will be forever referred.  It has been a period of uncertainty and disorientation in which we have had to adapt to a changeable world both at home and at work.

During the very depths of the lockdown, we as a Company, suffered a tremendous loss.  Our much loved, admired, and respected colleague of 16 years, Stephen Guy, passed away, unexpectedly on the morning of the 27^th April 2020.  Shock waves were felt throughout the company and indeed the local community. 

One of Stephen’s many qualities was his wonderful passion to help and support the local community and worthwhile charitable causes. He performed his role as Chairman of the Towngate Charitable Committee with great dedication and compassion.  There was never a happier moment for him than when we were able to donate to or assist a local charity.  Amongst those he got to know were; Kirkwood Hospice, Forget me not Children’s Hospice, Huddersfield and Brighouse Foodbanks and St Johns Church and Community Hall in Rastrick.  Following a donation to St John’s which led to the purchase of equipment for a cinema room for the elderly, Stephen attended a reminiscent film afternoon where he was greeted with a round of applause.

He also worked tirelessly for charitable organisations on behalf of the Brighouse Rotary Club and he was the man to be seen selling tickets in the park on the Brighouse Gala weekend every summer, and the man arranging the Christmas Tree located at the local Sainsburys store – a true inspiration to us all.

However, here at Towngate, Stephen will be forever remembered as having a wonderful sense of humour and vigour for life.  His fountain of knowledge of holiday destinations and the best walks (and pubs) was utilised by us all!  He was the person we turned to, in good times and bad.  He offered a listening ear and words of wisdom, advice and encouragement, no matter what the situation.  He helped the Smith family navigate the trials and tribulations of family business and acted as Personnel Director to all staff.  But most importantly of all, he was our friend.

In commemoration of Stephen, and knowing how much he loved the great outdoors, we are hoping to organise a Towngate Team walking afternoon, when it is deemed safe to do so (more than likely at some stage during 2021), which will take place in the Calder Valley, following the canal path from Sowerby Bridge to Hebden Bridge and it would be nice to think that we can stop at a pub or two on the way to raise a glass to him. 

He is and will continue to be greatly missed.