A Farmborough resident, who was well known as the caretaker of the village memorial hall for 10 years, has died at Rosewell Country Home, High Littleton, at the age of 92.

Richard Coles, who was generally known as Dick, had moved to the nursing home five months ago where he shared a room with his wife of 67 years, Isabella.

Mr Coles, who was born in High Littleton, spent his early working years as a farmer, principally at the Castle Farm in Priston.

During the Second World War he worked for the Ministry of Agriculture. Later, he spent some time at Fry's in Keynsham, worked on the building sites for JWM Moon and Ernest Ireland and finally was employed at Purnells, in Paulton, until he retired.

Mr Coles married his wife on July 25, 1941 and after spending the initial years of their marriage at Farrington Gurney they moved to Farmborough, where they were to remain until moving to Rosewell.

He is survived by his wife, five children, Richard, Phyllis, Doreen, Michael and Robin, nine grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Mr Coles was not one to belong to organisations, although for a time both he and his wife attended Farmborough Goodwill Club.

He enjoyed gardening, horse racing and sport on the television but his main interests were family connected.

The funeral service at Haycombe Crematorium was led by the rector of Farmborough, the Rev Jan Knott, and was followed by cremation.

The ashes will be interred at Farmborough churchyard.

Malcolm Tucker