LUDLOW has said farewell to one of its best known and loved characters.

Alan Laurie died on Tuesday, September 24. He was 98 years old and on August 11 he and Rosemary celebrated 70 years of marriage

Of Scots descent he spent is early years in Cambridge and after school at Monkton Combe returned to Cambridge to study History at Selwyn College. He and brother Ran, who won a Gold Medal in the 1948 Olympics were rowers. Alan was President of the Cambridge crew in 1940

After war service in the Army including the Normandy landing he returned to Cambridge before embarking on his career in teaching He was Housemaster at Shrewsbury School for some years before taking the post as Principal of Albrighton School for the Blind. Whilst living in Shrewsbury he served as a Liberal Councillor and was the unsuccessful candidate in a parliamentary election. For many years he was a Marriage Guidance counsellor and on retirement led the development of a Youth Centre in the Wigmore area. He helped to set up Home Start in Ludlow and served as Chairman of the Mascall Centre. He took an unflagging interest in politics and community and wrote many letters to newspapers.

“He was the wisest and most unassuming of men who was respected and loved by so many he helped in his many years of service,” said he friend Michael Day.

Rosemary was awarded the MBE for her years of work in the local CAB They moved to live in Clifton Ct three years ago and were active members at St Laurence’s They had three sons and a daughter and took continuing pride in their grandchildren and recently the first great grandchild.

The day before he died he wrote: ‘The Dunnes are an old and highly respected family. Our MP Philip Dunne lowered my opinion of him by giving support to Boris Johnson at this critical time. Values of basic importance are being trashed by the likes of Johnson, and Farage. Our protest is essential.