Neil Crosswaite

It is with great sadness that we have to report the death of Neil Crosswaite. A legend in his own right, he had a brain haemorrhage that he was unfortunately unable to recover from and passed away on Friday the 1st February 2019 at 70 years of age.

Born and bred in Bradford, he and his family resided at Bingley where he raised his two children, Tina and Martin, along with his loving wife Sue. As a motor trader and businessman Neil was very successful in life as well as being a very ‘handy’ trials rider in his day, competing in many Scottish Six Days and Scott Trials. He was also a very prominent member of the Yeadon & Guisley Motor Cycle Club.

With a vision of motorcycle trials on the big stage he and the late Martin Lampkin formed Avondale Management to present the hugely successful Sheffield Indoor Trial 24 years ago. This event remains one of the most successful events, entertaining the public every January as the traditional opener to the trials season.

A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, his passion for trials riding would see him travel all over the world, where he would meet so many people who all had respect for his honest and open opinion. His son, Martin, followed his father into trials and achieved much success on the international scene, and Neil was immensely proud. He travelled along with his family on some very memorable and enjoyable trips; his world was his family.

The funeral took place at Nab Wood Crematorium on Thursday 14 February where a packed house paid tribute to such a great man, one of life’s true characters. The traditional ‘wake’ was at the family owned Busfield Arms public house, where Neil was celebrated with so many stories of his life and times.

Martin Crosswaite: “The Crosswaite family would like to thank everyone for all your messages of support; it really means the world to us as a family that my dad was held in such high regard by so many people.”

John Hulme, Trial Magazine: “Neil was such an inspiration when we started the magazine, with his enthusiasm for anything motorcycle trials. His constructive, honest criticism came from the heart and was always welcome, as were his new ideas. His handshake was his word, and I for one am going to miss his phone calls to find out was going on in the world of trials. All our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”