A COMMUNITY stalwart who was the leading force in the success of a village hall has died.

David Weatherill, 78, died almost two months after a fall at his Barley home on Boxing Day.

The father of four was chairman of Barley Village Hall for decades. He was described as an excellent friend who was vital to the growth of the centre.

MORE TOP STORIES:

His daughter Janice said her father, a former governor of Colne Primet High School, would be missed by all who knew him.

She said: “We were very fortunate with both our parents. They were very understanding and non-judgemental.

“My dad especially allowed us a very free childhood to experiment and try things. It was the freedom to explore. He was very supportive of what any of us did.”

Keen model maker Mr Weatherill was instrumental in organising the Barley Model Exhibition for more than 20 years. It features cars, planes, boats, trains and doll houses and will take place in early May in memory of Mr Weatherill, a grandfather of four.

The retired engineer, who trained at Rolls Royce, was also a judge for the best-kept village competition and was chairman of Weatherby Motor Club. He was also involved in organisations run by his wife Audrey.

Mr Weatherill, who was very interested in aviation, was injured in a fall going down the stairs. He died at Royal Blackburn Hospital on February 14.

John Connor, a volunteer at the village hall, said: “David is not replaceable. He was one of those chaps that if anything needed doing, he would do it.

“He was an excellent friend and he was the most important person at the village hall.

“He and his wife have run it for the last 30 years. Without them, the village hall may not have succeeded.

“David loved village life and being part of the community.”

A private funeral will take place in Skipton today.

A service will then take place at St Mary’s Church, Newchurch-in-Pendle, at 11.45am. Refreshments will then be served at Barley Village Hall.