Steve was a major inspiration to myself and my family. His first comment made to me was at his home at Rodbourne Rail Farm during a Christmas Party, my first with the Newman family. It was on the occasion of introducing myself to him as his sister's new boyfriend. Laughably, he asked me whether the thirty mile drive to see his sister Laura was worth the 'long' drive....
Steve was a stalwart to his large family and his rock-like presence maintained a solid balancing effect to us all. He was a diplomatic farmer and he and I, thou both farming sons, existed on differing thought processes. I encouraged him to practise a more environmental style of farming and he was very obliging and duly asked me to lay all of his hedges.
Steve loved gossip and acted as a worthy fulcrum during hours and hours of family debates.
His children are a credit to him and his tremendous wife Sarah.
Sarah and Steve were fine exponents of country sports and graced all of the local functions. Though not the keenest enthusiast of the equine elements across his land, he did however cater for horse riding by creating wide margins of wildflowers around his arable fields.
Colourful and engaging, his broad smile lit up a dull room. Steve questioned Laura's decision to allow me to baste a Christmas turkey in the early noughties. When the greasy bird slipped from my forks, the hot fat and grease splattered around our kitchen. Steve's laughter was heard in Brinkworth.
Steve and his brother Matt were inseparable brothers. Fostered by loving parents, the pair were never far from each other or their mum and dad. They made an impregnable team. Always at hand to assist anyone in their vicinity, their 'little and large' parodies created an abundance of love across their adoring communities.
To the family, my sincerest love goes out to you all. You are a unique family and you will move on stoically.
Though Steve is no longer with us in the flesh, his spirit will linger for ever. God Bless you, Lester x
Lester Manners
18/12/2024
