Terrington Machinery pays tribute to its late founder Brian Coleman

Mr Coleman passed away on 29th September, leaving behind his wife, three children, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

He started working at the age of 13 by doing a paper round, and after 25 years as a farm and growing manager, an opportunity to supply machinery to the horticultural and vegetable sector became available. He then set up Coleman Enterprises, which was the original trading name of Terrington Machinery.

After a few years of selling, demonstrating and showing machinery at various trade shows, in 1991 Mr Coleman was approached by a representative of an Austrian company called Einbock looking for a UK importer for their range of machinery.

Having already been selling machinery into the organic sector, the Einbock range of mechanical weed control machines would benefit and be of use to Terrington’s existing customer base. An agreement was made, and the first Einbock Aerostar Tined Weeder was brought into the UK.

After a few years of selling the Einbock Aerostars around the country, a request for a demonstration on grass was called for by a customer, and after only a few passes on a field, the machine was sold.

That was really the moment when things changed. Realising the massive potential for grass farmers, Mr Coleman contacted Einbock to see if they would produce a bigger tine to use on grass. The idea became a reality, the Grass-Manager with 8mm tines was designed, and after major interest at various trade shows from dealers around the country, a dealer network was formed.

Final farewell

Terrington Machinery currently cooperates with over 60 dealers, with thousands of machines being sold and delivered to dealers and customers around the country.

Mr Coleman’s family said they are very proud that his small idea had become so successful and played a big part in making Terrington Machinery Ltd what it is today. Although Mr Coleman was officially retired, he remained actively involved in the company, offering advice and guidance drawn from his extensive experience in the industry.

For the last few years Terrington Machinery Ltd has been run by Mr Coleman’s son, David Coleman, who has worked for Terrington Machinery from the start.

His wife, Debbie, is the company secretary and is in control of all the company’s accounts. The company is also supported by the next generation, Steven and Ashley.

The funeral will be held at Mintlyn Crematorium, Lynn Road, King’s Lynn, PE32 1HB, on 23rd October at 1pm. It will be followed by a celebration of Mr Coleman’s life at Knights Hill Hotel, Kings Lynn, PE30 3HQ.

Family flowers only, please. Donations are welcome, which will be divided between East Anglian Air Ambulance and Fenland Gymnastics Academy.

Donations can be made online through Mr Coleman’s obituary page or by post to Thornalley Funeral Services, Austin Street, Kings Lynn, PE30 1QH. (Please state Mr Coleman’s name and relevant charities, EEAA and Fenland Gymnastics Academy). Donations are also accepted on the day of the service.

For those that wish to attend Mr Coleman’s funeral, please confirm your attendance with David on 07966-417720 or Debbie on 07538-126395.

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