A COMMUNITY stalwart in Farley has been remembered for his many voluntary activities and fundraising efforts

Jamie Latham passed away on July 15, aged 75, from pulmonary fibrosis complicated by pneumonia.

He was prominent in numerous voluntary activities in the village, where he had moved with his wife Jill in 1988.

He was chairman of Farley Village Hall Committee, and until very recently a member of the Pitton and Farley Parish Council, having been chairman of that council for a number of years previously.

Jamie also chaired the Village Fete Committee, which helped raise money for various village causes and clubs, as well as being chairman of the Farley Hospital Trustees, managers of the almshouse.

When urgent repairs were needed to the East Wing of the building Jamie was there, and could often be seen at the top of a ladder supervising work on the roof, and on such a Grade I listed building the work was never straightforward. He project managed this rebuild and was on site daily for the 12 months that the work took to complete.

And for many years Jamie climbed a “hazardous” ladder to wind up the All Saints church clock but a risk assessment banned his efforts resulting in the chimes falling silent.

At a village fete Jamie and Richard Fox raised £6,000 to replace the ladder as a tribute to Richard’s late mother Jean. He also single-handedly maintained the churchyard grass until recent bouts of ill health restricted his activities.

A tribute to the former councillor and community stalwart said: “Jamie was not one to seek recognition for these acts of service to the community. He was driven by determination to see that his village’s assets were protected and maintained, and he gave unflagging devotion to that cause. He was also a supporter of proposals to improve flood defences in neighbouring Pitton.

“Jamie always had a smile for people he met and was ready to give up his time for others. He was an enthusiastic member of Farley Shoot and he was also an accomplished salmon fisherman. News of a vacant beat on his beloved River Spey would send him racing six hundred miles north at short notice. Of less merit was his attention to golf where his handicap fully reflected his lack of practice, however this never quenched his enthusiasm for the game.

“He will be sorely missed.”

Jamie’s funeral was held on August 5 in Farley. He is survived by his wife Jill and three daughters.