Tributes pour in after black pudding event ‘legend’ dies
Phil Taylor died on Wednesday, February 12 after being admitted to hospital the day before.
Born on January 27, 1952, he had recently celebrated his 73rd birthday.
He was well known in the area, especially in Stubbins where he had lived, and in Ramsbottom where Phil was one of the event organisers of the famous World Black Pudding Throwing Championships.
His daughter Kelly Connolly, 37, said: “He was well known as one of the founding fathers of the black pudding championship.
“There are rumours that it dated back to the War of the Roses which made us laugh as I’m pretty sure he just made that one up when he was in the pub one night.”
The championships are held annually in Ramsbottom and the event has become a key part of the community calendar.
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Phil Taylor (Image: Phil Taylor) People from far and wide gather to throw black pudding missiles at a pile of Yorkshire pudding balanced on a 20ft plinth and last year’s event saw more than 1,000 people take part.
Phil grew up in Whitefield until he was aged around 11 when he went to boarding school in Kent until he graduated.
He then moved to Chelsea where he embarked on a career with World Bank.
He enjoyed traveling the world as part of the role which involved couriering money “in a duffle bag” to and from places such as the United Emirates, New York and Cairo.
His parents moved to Ramsbottom and Phil “loved it so much” that he sold his Chelsea flat and relocated to the area himself.
He met his ex-wife when he was in his 30s and they went on the have two children, Kelly and Shaun.
In time, they welcomed five grandchildren – Ethan, Alexis, Amelia, Violet and Chester.
He adopted his beloved dog Indie from Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary around ten years ago who he was “proud as punch” of.
Chadwicks Original Bury Black Puddings shared an emotive online tribute to Phil.
They said: “We are sending all our love and deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of an incredible man, Phil Taylor.
“Phil wasn’t just the heart and soul behind the world-famous Black Pudding Throwing Championships, he was the heart and soul of so much more.
“His passion, dedication, and creativity brought joy to countless people, but it was his warmth, humour, and kindness that truly made him unforgettable.
“Phil was a true friend and a prominent figure in our lives for many years.
“He was witty, funny, and always knew how to make everyone around him laugh.
Phil Taylor (Image: supplied)Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to the Bury Times morning newsletter as well as our breaking news alerts.
“But more than that, he quietly made a difference in so many people’s lives, in ways they’ll never forget. His generosity and good nature shone through in everything he did.
“It’s impossible to put into words what he meant to so many of us, but we’re holding his family in our hearts and sending them so much love right now.
“They always say- ‘a life well-lived leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories’ and this couldn’t be more true in Phil’s case.
“Rest in peace, Phil. You’ll be so missed, but your spirit will live on in every laugh, every story, and every Black Pudding thrown.”
Irwell Works Brewery in Ramsbottom, one of Phil’s local pubs, said: “We are very saddened to hear that our very good friend Phil Taylor has passed away.
“We know this news will come as a shock to everyone as it has us. Phil was such a massive asset to the community, organiser of the world famous black pudding fest, motorbike enthusiast, extremely passionate gardener (he grew the tallest sunflowers I’ve ever seen) and his heart was filled to the brim with kindness.
“This kindness especially shone through in the love he had for his rescue dog Indie.
“RIP Phil, you will be very sadly missed by us all, we’ll be raising a pint of Costa Del Salford in your honour.
“Our thoughts are with Phil’s family and everyone who knew him at this very difficult time.”
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Phil Taylor (Image: supplied)
Phil had a passion for boat racing which took him on many adventures to Greece and beyond.
He raced with his friends from pubs The Oaks in Ramsbottom and the now-closed Corner Pin in Stubbins.
He was also a motorcycle enthusiast and boasted a collection of “at least” eight bikes and four boats.
Kelly explained that her father even won a “Most Eccentric Man in Britain” award once.
She added: “He got a trophy for it and everything! I don’t think that would come as a surprise to anyone who knew him though.”
“He wasn’t just funny, he was very kind and generous too. He had time for everyone. He was charitable and lovely and very intellectual.”
“Lots of people have said so many lovely things about him that it’s impossible to pinpoint what he was like in just a few words.”
“My dad didn’t live a long life but he certainly led a super full one.”
Source – INDIA TV
