Bill Revell

Mr Revell, formerly of Wilding Road, Wallingford, was a well-known character, often seen cycling through the town wearing a red-and-white bobble hat on his way to do voluntary work.

A hat-shaped wreath of red-and-white flowers was placed on his coffin in tribute during his funeral at Wallingford Methodist Church on Friday, October 11.

He moved to the area from Brentford in 1958 to work as a workshop technician at the Government's Hydraulic Research depot in Crowmarsh Gifford, which later became HR Wallingford.

His first contribution was to found the Wallingford detachment of the Berkshire branch of the British Red Cross. Wallingford's ambulance was at that time based at the Lamb Garage, in Castle Street, and staffed at weekends and in the evenings by Red Cross and St John Ambulance members. Mr Revell volunteered as a medical attendant.

He also started a group of Red Cross cadets, and pioneered taking young disabled people on holidays in the UK.

In 1966, he led the conversion of Shakespeare House, a former Second World War Land Army hostel in Clapcot Way, into a youth centre.

When he was elected to the borough council, members of the youth club waited eagerly below the balcony of the Town Hall to hear news of his success in the polls.

He became a member of the town council and served as mayor for the years 1978-79, 1981-82 and 1986-87, and was made an emeritus alderman for services to the comm- unity.

Mr Revell was closely involved with the Cholsey & Wallingford Railway. He was honorary chairman of the Jolly Anglers fishing club and also worked with local cricket, hockey, rugby and football teams.

He leaves three sons and three grandchildren.