Gerald Long

Gerald Long knew a heck of a lot of people and a heck of a lot of people respected, admired and loved this man. Gerald was a true gentleman in every sense. He gives a vivid description of being a schoolboy in Yeadon during the Second World War. He worked at Leeds City Station in the days of the steam trains and became a manager working for James Ives at Manor and Leafield mills. When he finally retired Gerald was an integral part of the running of Harewood House where, as you would expect, he was at much at ease with the groundsmen as he was with royalty. Gerald and his family before him were a cornerstone of Yeadon Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society and of Aireborough Historical Society where he was President for seven years. Gerald was our first interviewee on Back Chat, we interviewed him three times before we got it right, he of course got it right straight away – it was ‘the crew’ that needed the practice.

Gerald tragically lost his life in a road traffic accident on the 14th September 2018. I was honoured to be asked to speak at his funeral.