Lives Remembered
Phillip (Phil) Watson
1939 - 2004
The expression "Gentleman Farmer" gives rise to the view of someone who tells others to do things around a farm. Phillip Watson, who died on16th September, was a "gentle"man farmer. Nothing like the expression. His was a lover of all things to do with farming to which he brought a loving and gentle nature. In physical stature, Phil was a very imposing man who in his younger days was a good fast bowler for Helmdon Cricket Club (whom he also captained) as they probably had ever seen. He was also a keep supporter of Helmdon Baptist Chapel and in his nature, he was gentle and kind and willing to help anyone who needed help. I can never remember Phil say a bad word against anyone nor have I ever hear a bad word said against him.
In his youth Phil was a keep sportsman, cricket, billiards and shooting being his pastimes. Indeed during his period in the Home Guard, he was runner-up in the Northants area for the local Battalion He also loved watching Motor Cycling which he shared with his brother Jimmy. They also formed a farming partnership which they maintained until Phil’s death, some 65 years! Phil loved farming (particularly cattle farming) and was born at Grange Farm, moving to Wigsons before finally settling at Home Farm. His marriage to Janet was a happy one and when Janet was diagnosed with cancer, he did all that he could to make sure that she enjoyed as much of life as was possible. After Janet’s death, he devoted himself to John and Geoff and was an extremely happy man to see them married with his grandchildren.
In later years, he watched sport regularly, attending Northants Cricket club, Helmdon Cricket Club and Point to Pointing, with the odd days National Hunt Racing which I am happy to say I enjoyed with him.
The fact that he will be sadly missed by all who knew him was borne out by the attendance at his funeral and by the fact that all who met Phil had their life enhanced by knowing him. A truly "gentle" man who will be sadly missed by all.
Peter Burns