Memorial staged for Norfolk Pillar Bryan Colman Read

A celebration dedicated to the life of a beloved Norwich figure took place almost a year after her death.

Third Generation Miller Bryan Colman Read died at the age of 95 in October 2020.

But due to Covid restrictions, it took a year for its enormous legacy to be fully appreciated at a public rally.

Made a CBE by the Queen in 1983 for his services to the flour milling industry and an assistant lieutenant for Norfolk in 1986, there were few areas of county life to which Mr Read did not contribute.

Chairman of the Norfolk Heritage Fleet Trust, Bryan Read at the Hunters Fleet Yard in Ludham There are plans to dig a new access dyke on the land next to the construction site Photo: James Bass
– Credit: Eastern Daily Press © 2011

On Friday, more than 200 people were able to gather at Norwich Cathedral to thank all he has done in his life and finally pay him homage.

Memorial for Bryan Colman Read at Norwich Cathedral. Photos: Brittany Woodman
– Credit: Brittany Woodman

At a ceremony led by Canon Andy Bryant, memories of Mr. Read were shared as family, friends and other supporters paid tribute to him.

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Two separate family tributes were read during the service between hymns and prayers, while his love for boating was recognized by a reading of Sea Fever by John Masefield.

Bryan Read visits the Wicklewood Windmill to see the sails put back in place after the restoration Photo Simon Parker
– Credit: Archant

Born in Norwich in 1925, Mr Read was an early pupil of Town Close School, where he maintained a lifelong relationship and spent 25 years as Chairman of the Governors.

He has been recognized as a leader in his industry and has been twice president of the National Association of British and Irish Millers.

Memorial for Bryan Colman Read at Norwich Cathedral. Photos: Brittany Woodman
– Credit: Brittany Woodman

He was also a strong supporter of The Broads, spending a decade as president of the Broads Society and was one of the founders of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Charitable Trust.

The current CEO of the Broads Authority, John Packman, was among the mourners who paid tribute to him.

Memorial for Bryan Colman Read at Norwich Cathedral. Photos: Brittany Woodman
– Credit: Brittany Woodman

Dr Packham said: “He was always a big fan of the Broads, but was also a great friend.

“He was very wise and knowledgeable and had a great memory, so he was always happy to use his experience to help us.”

Memorial for Bryan Colman Read at Norwich Cathedral. Photos: Brittany Woodman
– Credit: Brittany Woodman