TRIBUTES have been paid to former chairman of Chard Museum and volunteer in the town, David Ricketts.

Mr Ricketts, who had three children and five grandchildren, passed away last month after being taken in to hospital for an operation.

Vince Lean, the museum’s current chairman, said: “It’s with a sad heart that Chard Museum has had to announce the death of their ex-chairman, David Ricketts, after a short period in hospital in early April.

“David retired to Chard in 2005 after 16 years as a senior lecturer in business at North East Surrey College, Ewell, Epsom for the Open University, University of Surrey and Edexcel degree and diploma courses.

“During his time in Chard, David was well known around the town and involved in numerous volunteer organisations. These included helping as a marshal at the carnival, being a member of the TIC, becoming the chairman of Screen, the Guildhall Film Club, and finally, perhaps his highest achievement, becoming a leading member of Chard Museum.”

David began volunteering at the museum in around 2008. He became a trustee and deputy chairman in 2010 and was chairman from 2011 to 2015.

Mr Lean added: “David’s previous work experience in business was helpful in getting the museum through a bad financial period as the district council grant was being progressively withdrawn from 2010. Through all these difficult times David led the museum with a clear-sighted professional approach.

“When David retired as chairman from the museum, although he still volunteered, trustees, friends and councillors all thanked him for everything he had done throughout the years to support the museum.

“He especially led from the front, spending huge amounts of time leading and managing the dozens of volunteers who valued David’s leadership and happily committed hours a week to ensure the museum stayed open.

“David’s cheerful personality always came to the fore and it is with this and his achievements in mind that that we are holding a special celebration of his life at Chard Museum.”

The celebration will be held on Saturday between 2pm and 4pm. It is free and open to members of the public.