Bert Gripton

[Barrie 1,325]

Just wondered if anyone out there, had hunted with, the man, i believe he was a great terrier man, and hunter. I know that era is gone, but the were pictures of him. And he was most definitely not in it for the money, or fame

 

Hi Pablo

 

There was a previous thread about Bert a few years back.

 

We were very good friends right up until his death. I was fortunate enough to have travelled and hunted all over the country with him in the "big red van", as it was affectionately known, from the mid 1970's onwards and particularly during his time as terrierman with the Border Counties Otterhounds.

 

Bert was a driver for James Baker Shoes based in Wolverhampton and he delivered shoes to shops the length and breadth of the country. Mr Baker was a very understanding employer and Bert was allowed to arrange his hours to suit himself providing he got the job done. This normally meant fitting in a day with the local pack(s) wherever he was travelling...... he absolutely lived to hunt.

 

I was also lucky enough to have legally dug each of the quarries for which our terriers were originally bred, while in his company. He was without doubt everything people imagine him to be and a little bit more.

 

There are a few reminiscences and photos on this thread, I hope they'll be of interest.

 

http://www.thehuntinglife.com/forums/topic/120571-bert-gripton/

 

Kindest Regards - Barrie

Edited May 4, 2014 by Barrie

[HBG 350]

Very good read that barrie.

[Moorside 642]

Nice hearing insights like that Barrie good post pal. Atb Moorside

[Barrie 1,325]

I seem to be having problems loading photos on here..... but if someone who can could give me a PM with their email address I send them a photo of Bert's headstone to load up. It was paid for by a collection amongst the terrier lads at that time.

 

Regards - Barrie

[Moorside 642]

Tried to pm you Barrie but it wont let me is youre inbox full?

[TUFFTY 1,476]

I seem to be having problems loading photos on here..... but if someone who can could give me a PM with their email address I send them a photo of Bert's headstone to load up. It was paid for by a collection amongst the terrier lads at that time.

 

Regards - Barrie

Thanks for That barry,

Great to read that again.

 

Would seriously consider writing that book though

 

Call the book Actually.

 

TUFFTY

[Glyn..... 5,208]

Barrie you should write more of it down before you start forgetting it Excellent reading on a Sunday morning thanks for sharing it Barrie

regards

Glyn

[Barrie 1,325]

Barrie you should write more of it down before you start forgetting it Excellent reading on a Sunday morning thanks for sharing it Barrie

regards

Glyn

 

Start forgetting..... I've already got a head like a sieve now

 

Moorside.... my apologies it was full as a butcher's dog, but I've cleared it out now. Many thanks.

[Moorside 642]

No probs Barrie, you have a pm

[pablo esc 1,598]

Thanks for sharing barrie, and all the best.

[Moorside 642]

Alright lads, heres the picture on behalf of Barrie. Berts grave stone.

 

All the best, Moorside

[gonetoearth 5,144]

A great tribute to a genuine.character.

[pablo esc 1,598]

Thanks for your time, to do that, i remember the minute silence, i think it was Shugborough

[trigger2 3,132]

ive never met bert but i know his son. hes a real nice chap. does abit of ferreting

[Moorside 642]

Thanks Barrie for sharing the picture