What an Uncle!
By the brother of the niece.

Mick was no ordinary uncle.
He could play football with you and go conkering with you in the park and help you mend a bike.
Mick was also a great cook. His trifles were something else. Whilst growing up, I always room in my hollow legs for third and fourth helpings.
Mick was also a capable home brewer, but for some reason I was only allowed one small helping.
He could also mend cars as well as ships.
One very cold Christmas our family car would not start, after standing still for 3 or so days. “Quick Start” had been tried, the points had been cleaned along with the spark plugs and the gap had been checked and there was still no joy. So every the practice, Mick warmed the plugs under the grill. At this point I should apologies, if the toast tasted strange that morning. I our defence of this technique, this was the only time I SAW Mick use this method.

When I was about 4 or 5 we were walking along our local high street. We crossed a side road between queuing car. My sister got to close to one, and the hot sooty exhaust caught her leg, causing shock and tears. In a moment, Micks hanky was out licked and used to clean and cool the leg. The humane caring mechanic.
Much has been said about Micks humour, He would always laugh with you, though on accession before you.

Once whilst in my early teens, I answered the home phone, to be met by a stern voice asking to speak with MR BARDSLEY (I was only Master Bardsley at the time). My attempts to find out who was calling were met with a stern rebuke. I sheepishly went back into the living room and announce there was some stern man on the phone want to speak to MR BARDSLEY. My dad went out into the hallway and the door was closed behind him. After a second or two there was much merriment from the hallway adding to my confusion. Needless to say my two sisters really enjoyed the joke. I had been Mick-ed again!

In my mid-teens Mick and Margaret bought a new music centre. On inspecting it with much envy, I asked if the cassette deck has a damped ejection(opening).
“O YES!” Said Mike…….. 140lbs per square inch………….. its connected to the water mains (it was long before water meters).Mike was taking the Mick AGAIN!

Growing up we all have people who influences us. Parents, Neighbours, a favourite teachers, and my Uncle Mick.
The footballer, mechanic, cook, home brewer, practical, caring, compassionate, understanding, the comic – but we had to be quick to keep up!

No wonder Mick will be missed by all who knew or met him.
Malcolm