Loddon said farewell last week to one of it's most popular and much loved characters.

John (Harry) Clemence died suddenly at his home at Davy Place, on October 6 - exactly four years to the day that his wife, Rene, died.

John was born at Bergh Apton in 1933 and, on leaving school, his first job was as a farm hand with Berty Edwards.

He did his national service in the army, where he was a very good boxer.

He moved with his parents, Mabel and Charlie, to Loddon, married his sweetheart Rene, and they lived in Bridge Street, where his eldest daughter, Janice, was born.

In 1959 they moved to Leman Grove, where their other three children, Terry, Noel and Sandra, were born.

He went into the building trade with RG Carter as a steel erector/fixer.

His final job, before retirement, was as a postman in the village. After retirement John and Rene moved into a bungalow in Davy Place and John was very active in the events of the social club there.

He was very much a family man and enjoyed all the parties and get togethers organised by Sandra.

He liked shooting with Noël, watching football and boxing with Terry, and cooking with Janice - particularly jam making.

He loved a flutter on the horses and a pint at the Kings Head. He grew masses of beautiful sweet peas and shared them around the village.

Chedgrave Church was packed to overflowing for his funeral service last Thursday and this was a true reflection of the impression that John made on so many people in this community, and the respect everyone had for him.

John leaves four children, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren, and - like them - we will all miss this wonderful character, who had a big heart and a great sense of fun. A true Loddon Legend.