Edwin Tailford, who has died aged 85, was a true countryman in the best sense of the word.
Robert Edwin Tailford was born and raised on a small farm on the East Fellside of the northern Pennines. He developed a keen interest in the natural world
and country pursuits from an early age which was maintained throughout his life.
At the age of eight he joined the beaters on the renowned Croglin grouse moor.
In later years he would develop into a skilful loader, in much demand on grouse shoots throughout the north of England.
Encouraged by the Helme family, who owned the Croglin moor, he helped to look after the low ground of the estate and subsequently managed the “Duck Pond”, a semi-natural area of woodland, providing excellent rough shooting and duck flighting.
In 1981, he was responsible for establishing the Albyfield shoot, now regarded as one of the best small shoots in the county. Edwin keepered and ran the shoot for over 35 years, during which time it gained a reputation locally as a really well run, enjoyable shoot of the highest quality.
His skills were recognised in a very complementary article in the Shooting Times in 2006, a worthy tribute to his abilities to produce high flying pheasants from a relatively small area.
In 2009, he was very proud to be awarded a medal for giving 40 years of service by the Country Landowners Association, presented to him at the Game Fair at Belvoir Castle.
“Noo then”, “grand as owt”, “champion” — with these words, one knew all was well with Edwin.
However, “please yourselves then”, when someone questioned his instructions, clearly indicated his disapproval — invariably he was correct.
Edwin was renowned for the lack of clarity in his instructions — “go and stand by yon ash tree yonder” being a prime example. Edwin, of course, knew exactly where he meant.
He was also a skilled salmon fisher and for many years looked after the Lazonby Estate fishing on the Eden.
Edwin’s wife Margaret, to whom he was married for nearly 63 years, died in 2020. He is survived by his daughter Ann, son Jon and two grandchildren. He is sadly missed.
