A POPULAR Wolvercote man who had been involved in the village’s boys’ club since the 1940s has died aged 76.

Frederick Drewett grew up in the village and joined its branch of the national boys’ club network in the 1940s.

It would continue to feature in his life, with Mr Drewett going on to join the club’s management committee in 1966.

He ran training sessions for the club’s football teams and helped youngsters enter the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.

He was later presented with two long service awards by Prince Philip and the Duke of Gloucester in recognition of his years of service.

Mr Drewett completed national service as part of the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers in 1954, and was presented with the Egypt Campaign Medal.

He was an active member of the British Legion for 50 years.

Mr Drewett joined Wolvercote Paper Mill in 1949 and, after national service, worked at the Cowley car plant.

His brother John said: “The boys’ club became his spiritual home.”

He said: “Fred lived a worthy and honourable life, and will be remembered for his kindness, sincerity and good nature.”

Mr Drewett was also involved in the Oxfordshire Association for Young People, umpiring an annual charity cricket match in the grounds of Blenheim Palace.

He married Joyce at St Peter’s church, Wolvercote, in 1956.

In 2006 they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.

Friends said Mr Drewett was a man who could turn his hand to any trade, be it woodwork, brickwork, plumbing and gardening.

Neighbour Prof Seamus Rainbird said at his funeral: “After Joyce died some three years ago he did confess that he was not much of a cook, but he buckled to and kept the domestic show on the road.”

He said: “He was a good man who lived a good life.

“He looked outwards, beyond himself, to other people. He became a part of many lives.

“In our different personal ways, we too can follow Fred’s example of friendship and good neighbour-liness.”

Mr Drewett, who died on January 26, leaves six brothers and sisters, Val, John, Sally, Joan, Dick and David, daughters Marilyn, Angela and Tracy and grandchildren, Gemma, Hannah, Krystal, Yasmin and Luke.