Frank Harland was born in 1940 in Newcastle to Betty and Brian Harland. Their early years were spent living with Brian’s parents at Gosforth and during this time Brian spent a lot of time with his grandparents.
He was an academic person and after attending the local grammar school he went on to Kings College, Durham University, gaining a degree in chemistry.
This was followed by various teaching positions, notably four years at Cairo University, where his parents were able to visit for holidays.
He also spent time at Saudi Arabia, East Anglia, Halifax Grammar School and finally Boxhill boarding school.
At his last placement, he met his lifelong friend Karen, a member of staff whose job was to look after the boarding pupils, and Frank spent many visits in Somerset, where Karen had a smallholding housing dressage horses and other animals.
During his youth, Frank was a member of the boy scouts, enjoyed cooking, playing the clarinet, bellringing, watching rugby and cycling as well as taking part in amateur dramatic productions.
Frank’s interest in rugby was life-long and the Welsh international side were his favourite.
Even when bed-bound, he asked his neighbour, Alan, about the Six Nations games, with discussion about who had won, how the teams had played and poor Wales getting the wooden spoon in this 2025 season.
When Frank’s parents died, he returned to Appleby to their family home and made this his new base, immersing himself in local politics, serving as mayor for two terms, in 2004 and 2005, with Alice Palmer as his consort.
Another interest was the parish magazine, on which he served many years as editor.
Frank travelled widely in his retirement, including may cruises and to China and Nepal.
When illness struck, Frank required help but was still able to enjoy cooking, with help from his neighbour, Val.
He enjoyed riding down the Banks on his mobility scooter, and as more support was needed this was provided by Eden Country Care.
Frank had several cousins, the late Douglas and the late Bobby Tait, William and Trevor Tait, Michael Rider, Susan Tait and her sister Dorothy, and Jane Harland.
