TRIBUTES have been paid to a well-known and well-loved member of the Goostrey community.

The funeral took place of Goostrey resident and father of five Neville Francis at Birches Crematorium, Lach Dennis, on Wednesday, October 7.

Neville died at home, aged 84, after a short illness, and his wife Marilyn recalled how his walks through the village and The Bongs with their four girls and a boy were among his happiest times.

"He absolutely loved kids, and when he went for a walk with our children it was just like the Pied Piper as their friends tagged along," she said.

"He liked his walks and believed in children going out to get the fresh air, and sometimes he might have a dozen or so walking behind."

Since he died Marilyn has been comforted by many cards and messages of condolence.

She said: "Neville was a real people's person and loved chatting, and I have been amazed at how many people have said such nice things about him and how he will be missed. He was always smiling and happy when he met people."

Neville leaves his wife Marilyn, four girls, Tracey, Paula, Beverley, Virginia, and son, Bradley, 12 grandchildren (six boys and six girls), a great-granddaughter and great-grandson.

Neville and Marilyn came to live in Willow Lane 50 years ago by a pure fluke after they sold their bungalow in Gatley and were desperate to find another home for their growing family.

They were driving through the village where they were occasional diners at the Red Lion (then run by Peter and Pat McGrath, later of the Crown) when they spotted the new development off Mill Lane.

The house they picked was only partly built, but it was ready to move into six weeks later after they persuaded the builders to complete it before they had to leave their old home.

"We needed to find a bigger house for the family, but the bungalow sold very quickly and had to get out in six weeks," said Marilyn.

"I was heavily pregnant, and the day after we saw the house in Goostrey our son Bradley was born."

Neville and the family soon settled to village life, and four years later were picked as typical newcomers in the community to feature in the Granada documentary about Goostrey, and one of their daughters, Paula, was selected as the Rose Queen.

After leaving school, Neville, who grew up in Northenden, trained as a representative in a drapery business, and after National Service in the Army in Germany joined a partnership as a manufacturer’s agent in children's clothing. He continued the business until he retired when he was 80.

In his full-time working life he was frequently away from the village, but often helped behind the scenes at local events, such as the annual Rose Day, and work with Friends of Goostrey Station.

In recent years he also played bowls locally, and he and Marilyn attended services at the Methodist church and maintained links as a mason in the Congleton Lodge and Chapter.

His funeral was limited to 30 family members because of coronavirus regulations, but a memorial service to celebrate his life will be held next year.