Anthony Axford – a passion for the timber industry

Mr Axford, known as “Tony”, was a self-employed joiner by trade and in 1960 opened a small DIY and joiners shop from a terraced property in Farnworth near Bolton.

In the following years, he took over several other premises and in 1980 his business became a limited company.

The Company now employs over 70 staff and operates from four large depots in the Farnworth, Bolton and Walkden areas, including a timber treatment and kiln-drying plant in Swinton and a partnership with local builders merchants CSS.

Company director and son Martin Axford paid to tribute to his father.

“My dad had a great passion for the timber industry and wherever possible he would encourage us to buy our timber and wood products from legal and sustainable sources. He had a great enthusiasm for customer care and he got on well with both his customers and his suppliers.”

A keen cricket fan and avid supporter of Bolton Wanderers FC he put money into the club through advertising, as well as being a season ticket holder.

Mr Axford subscribed to the TTJ for many years and he attended several industry events and played in many timber trade golf day events.

The funeral of Mr Axford will be held at 12 noon on Friday November 18 at Our Lady Of Lourdes Catholic Church, Plodder Lane, Farnworth, Bolton.