Tributes pour in for Phil Taylor, founder of Ramsbottom’s Black Pudding Throwing Championships, who passed away at 73.
He was well-known in Stubbins and Ramsbottom. Phil lived in Stubbins and helped organize the Black Pudding Throwing Championships in Ramsbottom.
His daughter, Kelly Connolly, is 37. She said he founded the black pudding event and joked it started from a pub story about the War of the Roses.
The championships happen every year, where people throw black puddings at Yorkshire puddings balanced on a 20-foot post. Over 1,000 people joined the event last year.
Phil grew up in Whitefield and went to boarding school in Kent around age 11. After graduating, he moved to Chelsea and began a career with World Bank.
He traveled, couriering money to places, like New York and Cairo. He carried money in a duffle bag.
His parents moved to Ramsbottom, and Phil loved the area. He sold his flat and moved there too.
Phil met his ex-wife in his 30s. Together they had two kids, Kelly and Shaun, and five grandchildren: Ethan, Alexis, Amelia, Violet, and Chester.
He adopted his dog Indie ten years ago from an animal shelter and was very proud of him.
Chadwicks Black Puddings shared a tribute online, sending love to his family. They noted that Phil was key to the Black Pudding Championships, brought joy, and was kind.
They said he was a true friend who knew how to make people laugh and made a difference in their lives. He left a legacy of love and laughter.
Irwell Works Brewery also shared sad news, saying Phil was a good friend who boosted the community. Phil organized the black pudding event and loved motorbikes, gardening, and his dog, Indie. He was very kind.
Phil liked boat racing and raced in Greece with friends from two pubs, The Oaks and the Corner Pin.
He loved motorcycles and owned at least eight. He also owned four boats. Kelly said he won an award for “Most Eccentric Man in Britain.”
Kelly described him as funny, kind, and generous. She said he always had time for people, was charitable and smart, and people loved him. Ultimately, he lived a full life.