Born to Clifford and Nell Drew in Plymouth, on the 21st March 1932, Brian began his life in a city most remarkable for it’s naval history – boats, ships and submarines would dominate his career and his passion throughout his life. His sister Barbara was also born in Plymouth before the family moved to Middlesbrough, as the Admiralty had relocated Clifford, to work in the area. Here two more siblings for Brian and Barbara arrived – Chris and Martyn.

After attending grammar school in Gateshead, Brian returned south to do a naval engineering apprenticeship in Devonport. A temporary switch from shipping to aircraft, he had a short spell working for Fairey Aviation in Hayes, Middlesex.

Back up in the North East, Brian achieved a Naval Architecture degree at King’s College, Newcastle. All of this training, alongside a deep love for all things maritime was perfect preparation for a long and highly respected career.

Meanwhile, following a church service, Brian met Ann, with some mutual friends in a local café. They dated for four years before marrying on the 8th August 1957, in St Paul’s in Whitely Bay. A honeymoon in Jersey preceded a move to Barrow-in Furness, where Brian worked on the design of the first nuclear submarine. His career would require a number of moves around the country and for seven years, Belfast became their home. Soon their family grew with the arrival of Karen and then Jane. Around this time, Brian was heavily involved with the build and assessment of the new steam ship for P&O, The Canberra. With it’s revolutionary modern sleek design, it became one of the most popular liners and cruise ships.

A move to London and then Southampton for three years, Brian wanted the family to feel more settled, and they bought a home in Lindfield in West Sussex. Now, he would have periods away from home on contract. Brian’s opinions and position within his industry was highly regarded and he worked on some extraordinary jobs, even after retirement, assessing everything from small private boats to off-shore oil rigs and large commercial and naval shipping. He had been involved in the inquests for the infamous ‘Herald-of-Free-Enterprise’, Zeebrugge Ferry and the Thames riverboat, ‘The Marchionesse’ – both disasters still so memorable for many. But Brian’s ultimate decision carried great power too – on one occasion he was assessing the sea worthiness of the QE2, after a refit in Southampton. He determined that she wouldn’t sail until certain safety aspects were redressed – much to the frustration of Cunard – throwing their planned schedule out of the ‘porthole’!

From their time in Belfast, Brian and Ann took up badminton, Brian playing for an amateur league in the province. They continued their interest in the game in Sussex, also, loving the social aspect of the sport.

After retirement, although continuing to work occasionally, Ann and Brian enjoyed several cruises a year, with P&O, Olsen and Celebrity Cruise Lines. They also had a memorable holiday to New Zealand, which included Singapore, Thailand and Australia en route. These international trips rather more adventurous than the caravan holidays with their girls to visit family, down to Cornwall and up to Whitely Bay!

Brian was keenly interested to make the most of his retirement, taking evening classes in portrait photography, becoming an excellent amateur photographer. He became involved with Probus and the University of the Third Age, even becoming chairman of the Haywards Heath branch. Together with Ann, they had a shared interest, studying Industrial Archaeology.

Jane tells me that her dad was always singing around the house, especially loving the American Musicals. When the girls were young, Westerns were a favourite on TV, including ‘High Chaparral’. More recently, he enjoyed programmes including ‘The Repair Shop’.
Brian reached the great age of 92 years old - A long life, full of love for his family and passion for his career – a wonderful legacy.