Courtney Finn (b1941)

BORN in Northampton, Courtney was educated in his home town before graduating at Leeds University in 1963.

He gained experience with various companies across the country, including Proctor & Gamble, Cheseborough Ponds and Bovril before coming to Grantham in 1978 as the last managing director of Barfords of Belton, in time for owners Leyland Cars to sell it two years later.

His wife Liz maintained the family home while he took a succession of management jobs around the country.  Leyland Parts (Multiparts) at Chorley, Yorkshire Lamp and Codan Rubber at Corby.

From 1999 until retirement 2006 he was a freelance manager.

But Mr Finn probably became busier in retirement than in his working life.

An active member of the Rotary Club of Grantham, he was President in 2010-11 as well as a Foundation Governor of The King’s School and a member and current chairman of Grantham 40+ Club.

Keen on local history, he is a former chairman of Grantham Civic Society and was the driving force behind the town’s Blue Plaques since English Heritage decided they could no longer afford them.

He was also instrumental in seeing that the information boards are springing up all over town.

When the county council decided to abandon its town museums, Mr Finn was the driving force for 18 months in ensuring  Grantham Community Heritage Trust was set up to run it with volunteer help..