Many villagers friends and family came together to say goodbye to Coln St Aldwyns oldest resident.

Bill Townsend who lived in the village nearly all his life died at the age of 98.

The village church had been decorated with flowers and vegetables as gardening was his big passion.

The church bell rang 98 times as everyone arrived and part of the excellent Coln choir came together to sing which gave the occasion a special feel, on October 22.

Revd Tim Hastie-Smith assisted by the Revd Roger Scoones conducted the service.

A special Eulogy was delivered by The Hon David Hicks Beach who’s father Earl St Aldwyns Bill had worked for all his working life.

After the service his faithful Massey Ferguson tractor which he had been seen on travelling the local roads for many years lead him on his last journey to Quenington cemetery.

His neighbours put on a lovely tea at the village hall for everyone who was able to come and exchanged memories of him.