Tributes paid to Whitchurch filmmaker and historian, Nick Brazil, who died on his 80th birthday

TRIBUTES have been paid to a filmmaker and amateur historian who passed away on his 80th birthday.

Nick Brazil, born in Looe, Cornwall, moved to Whitchurch with his family in the 1970s.

Born on January 21, he was the son of John Brazil, who founded the Brazil Sausage Company, which was later acquired by Bowyer. He had two children, Peter and Mandy.

Mr Brazil was educated in Somerset and Switzerland before becoming a journalist and photographer. During his career, he also worked in construction in the Middle East and for British Telecom.

As a filmmaker, he took many videos of the village and its inhabitants, including a Christmas message from all the different native language speakers.

Shortly before his death, the keen historian was shown the finalised cover of his most recent publication Articles of War.

The book is a collection of articles he had written for the British Modern Military History Society, which cover a portrait of modern conflict from Napoleon to the present.

Proceeds from the sale will go to support Veteran with Dogs, a charity dedicated to training and providing assistance dogs to support veterans with mental health conditions.

Jerry Cockeram, secretary of the history society, finished the manuscript after Nick died, so the book could be published.

The back cover is a photograph of Mr Brazil and his dog Harold in The Greyhound pub in 2023, taken by Mr Cockeram, with the cover of the book superimposed.

He said: “I believe it captures the essence of him and Harold in one of his favourite places where they were invariably found together.

“Nick looking dapper with his red braces is a sight many of us in the village would want to remember him by.

“Within the book, one of the articles Nick wrote is called To Shoot but Not to Kill. It is about famous war photographers’ photos not being what they seem. These include probably the most famous image of the Spanish Civil War by Robert Capa and the US Marines raising the Stars and Stripes over Iwo Jima.”

Mr Cockeram said: “When we realised that Nick was sadly on his final journey, he and I agreed we should use the photo on the rear cover of Articles Of War, and, fortunately, I was able to show him the revised cover and get his approval.”

When Mr Brazil was diagnosed with diabetes, villagers bonded together to look after him.

Mr Cockeram said: ” There’s a very strong community spirit here in Whitchurch and, when he was diagnosed with diabetes, and we realised he wasn’t taking his insulin last year, everyone came together to look after him.”

Mr Cockeram got to know Mr Brazil through his work with the history society.

He said: “Nick has been quite a keen supporter, was involved in the meetings and writing articles. He’s someone who has always been helpful, even contributing to our first batch of books.

“Over the last eight or so years, I got to know him much better and we used to go to The Greyhound with my dog Mildred and, of course, Harold about writing about all the articles he has written.

“When he ended up in hospital in his last month, I gave him my commitment then that I would finish it for him.”

Mr Cockeram was able to take Harold into the Royal Berkshire Hospital when Nick was moved into palliative care.

He added: “I was able to get him into Cedar Lodge, where I work, for his final days. It was at that time that I was able to show him the revised artwork and talk about the book. I feel delighted because it was important that I got it finished for him.”

In 2018, the Brazil Award was introduced in the Whitchurch Art and Craft Exhibition, which encourages film and animation entries to complement the traditional media of art, film and animation entries.

Sally Woolhouse, organiser of the exhibition which is taking place on Saturday, February 28 and Sunday, March 1, said: “Throughout his life, Nick pursued the art of photography and film-making.

“He was keen to encourage the community, especially the younger residents, to make short films to entertain and inform the judges and the audience.”

In 2003, Mr Brazil had an idea to transform an unloved area of the village by creating a maze.

By working with Pete and Sally Woolhouse, he developed a design through the Whitchurch Society and the community were invited to buy bricks. It opened in June 2004.

Ms Woolhouse said: “The maze has become a favourite quiet space for many in the community.

“It has been a much-loved focal point ever since it opened and Nick was justifiably proud of this achievement for the village he loved.”

Mr Brazil went on to join the parish council.

Chairman Jim Donahue said: “Nick was welcomed as an elder statesman of the village.

“He was clearly someone who was passionate about the village and his long history here helped to inform many of our discussions and decisions.”

To buy Articles of War, visit tinyurl.com/5n9azrx4