Machinery Firm Founder Dies

Terrington Machinery Ltd and the family mourn the passing of its founder, Brian Coleman at the age of 81 

 

Brian 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 so Brian 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 Brian 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 Terringtons 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 requested 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, Brian contacted Einbock to see if they would produce a bigger tine to use on grass. The idea became a reality and 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.  Terrington Machinery now has over 60 dealers with thousands of machines being sold and delivered to dealers and customers the length and breadth of the country.  This made the family so proud that a small idea from Brian had become so successful and which has played such a big part in making Terrington Machinery Ltd what it is today.  Brian was mostly retired but still maintained an active role within the company giving advice and guidance when asked for from his vast experience within the industry. 

 

For the last few years Terrington Machinery Ltd has been run by David Coleman, (Brians’ son), who has worked for Terrington Machinery from the start so there isn’t much about the business that David doesn’t know. David and Brian loved to bounce ideas from each other and enjoyed a very close working relationship as well a very loving personal one.  Davids’ wife, Debbie (Brians’ daughter-in-law) is the company secretary and is in control of all the companys accounts etc.   

 

As Terrington Machinery move towards 2026 without Brian, something we are all going to find extremely difficult, we all look forward to a bright future with the next generation working within the company with both Steven (Davids’ son) and Ashley (David and Debbies son-in-law) in 2019 and 2021 respectively.  

 

Brian leaves behind his wife, 3 children, 5 grandchildren and 1 Great Grandchild 

 

For those that wish to attend the funeral, please see funeral details attached. 

Brian and his family would love you to come and say your goodbyes. 

 

 

 

 

Funeral to be held at  

Mintlyn Crematorium, Lynn Road, Kings Lynn.  PE32 1HB 

23-10-2025 at 1pm 

Followed by a celebration of Brians 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 Brians obituary page on the funeral directors,  

Thornalley Funeral Services website:  tfs.co.uk,  

by post to: Thornalley Funeral Services, Austin Street, Kings Lynn.  PE30 1QH (Please state Brians name and relevant charities, EEAA and Fenland Gymnastics Academy). 

Donations are also accepted on the day of the service. 

 

If you could just confirm your attendance to David on 07966-417720 or Debbie on 07538-126395 that would be helpful.