GEORGE Tucker of Lapford celebrated his 90th birthday recently with a big surprise party hosted by his sister-in-law, Margaret and her partner, Derek Shapland at their home in Crediton.

Shortly after lunch George’s nephews, David Smith, his late sister Margaret’s son and his wife and daughter from Wales, along with his nephew Richard from Chudleigh and his family came to see him.

Richard is the only son of George’s late sister Beat.

Also attending were Canon Michael Hall and his wife Sandie and former bellringers and church members from Lapford.

George had been born in Lapford and lived at Blackberry Gate until he moved some years ago to Prospect Way after his mother died.

He had been Captain of the Lapford Ringers for many years until he retired just a few years ago, and also had led visitors up the Tower on Revel days. He and his mother also organised many Ringers tours.

He was a former pupil at the old Lapford School, and in his young days played football in the village, and did the Hog Roast at the Revel during the 1950’s.

George was also a keen vegetable grower, and kept the vegetable plot across the road from Blackberry Gate immaculate. He was a skilled plumber and builder, having worked for his late father and uncle, who were the local builders.

Canon Michael paid tribute to George for all he had done for the church, including grass cutting, repairing stonework and digging the foundations for the kitchen work, and had always been a regular and dedicated church member.

He then toasted George, and led the singing of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow”, followed by “Happy Birthday”.

Canon Michael also thanked Margaret and Derek for arranging the party, which proved to be a get together for family and his close friends from the church.

Both nephews had spent time at Blackberry Gate, when they were young with their grandparents.

George also enjoyed travelling, first with his mother and father, on coach trips to Ireland and Jersey, etc. and with his sister Beat, and her husband and later with Edwin and sister-in-law Margaret, further afield which included the USA, and Las Vegas, Italy and Spain.

He also later enjoyed trips to Weston-super-Mare with Derek, Margaret and Margarets son David.