Exclusive by Alan Quick

TRIBUTES were paid to a highly-regarded Copplestone man at the unveiling of a commemorative hand-made oak bench in the village recreation ground on Sunday, June 11.

Brian Glover was so well-respected that more than 80 people, friends, family and those from the village attended.

The residents of Copplestone clubbed together to have the bench made.

It was made by Philip Wright from Stockleigh Pomeroy.

Brian, who died last July, and his wife Tris, ran a local Christmas shoe box appeal collection for more than 20 years and every year took a working party to carry out work at the Burzitsa Children’s Orphanage, in Bulgaria.

Ken Warren, former parish councillor, welcomed everyone to Copplestone Recreation Ground to the unveiling of the bench to celebrate the life of Brian Glover for his life of working for the village, where he lived all of his life. 

He spoke about his strong Christian faith, how he had made the church screens from oak, the radiator covers and the large cross in Copplestone Methodist Church.

Stuart Penny, chairman, Copplestone Parish Council, said he had known Brian for the last 40 years.

He said he was the very first chairman of the parish council when it was established in 1992.

Rather than a speech, Mr Penny listed the words he said summed up Mr Glover.

He said he was a son, husband, father, Sunday School Superintendent, Lay Preacher, master tradesman, local builder, school governor, first parish chairman, charity worker, community spirited and a friend.

He added that if you needed help or advice, Brian always greeted you with a warm smile and an outstretched hand.

To sum Brian up, he concluded: “He was a good man”.

Minister from Copplestone Methodist Church, Rev John Wiltshire, dedicated the bench and also spoke about Brian’s dedication to helping others in the community.

Brian’s wife, Tris, thanked everyone for attending and for their kind comments.

Afterwards everyone enjoyed socialising at the recreation ground, children playing games and others catching up with friends or enjoying a picnic.