The NFU North West team’s thoughts are with his wife and family along with those who worked closely with him at both the NFU Mutual and NFU. He will be remembered by many and sadly missed by all.
Keith Brightmore (centre) with his branch chairman Mike Gorton (left) and wife Janet (right)
A familiar face, Keith first joined the NFU Macclesfield team in August 2008 as a group secretary in partnership with a chap called Tom Brett.
The pair were seen as ideal replacements for the popular Sue Mitchell who had retired as the figurehead for Macclesfield NFU in the June of that year.
Coming to the organisation without any farming background but with a long and distinguished career in insurance, it was Keith, who lived rurally in between Leek and Macclesfield, who surprised everyone and threw himself into NFU work, quickly becoming a trusted and valued friend to the farmers of Macclesfield.
It wasn’t long before Keith took sole charge of NFU Macclesfield, revitalising its branch structure and striking up a fruitful relationship with the local MP David Rutley. Keith organised regular Farmer Forum meetings with Mr Rutley, revitalised Macclesfield NFU’s presence at the local shows and threw himself into the famous NFU Macclesfield Whist Drive scene - raising much money for local charities each year.
His effort culminated in many regional NFU honours, often winning awards for Macclesfield being group of the year in the county and region. He also won many national ‘High Achiever’ awards – given annually in recognition for outstanding achievement and excellence in farmer membership retention and recruitment.
Keith was very active in various community events in Wincle, from being a trustee at Swythamley & Heaton Centre to singing in the local chapel choir.
A family man, Keith was an active guitarist and played regular gigs with a 60s band. Keith was married to Janet and was a father to two children - Hannah and Luke.