TRIBUTES have been paid to ‘one of Andover’s gentlemen’.

Bryan Beggs, who had turned 82-years-old days before his death from pancreatic cancer, will be remembered as a family man with a deep commitment to public life.

His wife Diana Beggs told The Advertiser how no window sill or table in their home is without cards paying tribute to her husband.

The former RAF man served as a Millway ward councillor for 14 years, including one year as Test Valley mayor in 1986-7 where he began a scheme called Lifeline to help safeguard those at risk in their homes across the borough.

Mrs Beggs said: “He did a lot in the town and he enjoyed it that was the main thing. 

“He enjoyed every minute of it and he enjoyed helping people.

“He was lovely, he was the best husband in the world I always told him - so many amazing memories I can’t forget.

“We had a very happy life, it’s hard to put a whole life into words. We were very happily married and very involved in public life.”

Diana and Bryan first met when they were nine and 10-years-old respectively, when Bryan, originally from Keston in Kent, was visiting his aunt on the Isle of Wight. 

The couple got married in Newport in 1958, complete with a guard of honour and had two children, Duncan and Jacqulyn, before settling at Winterdyne Mews, Andover, in 1967 on retirement from the military. 

Mr Beggs then took up a civilian job as a helicopter instructor at Bristow Helicopters and in 1972 stood for the then Andover Borough Council, gaining a seat in 1973. 

After his time as councillor, Bryan went on to be chair of Andover Charities Trustees and was working on the town’s almshouses. 

Bryan was a keen member of the Andover History and Archaeological Society and involved with the church, acting as a trustee for Crowhurst Christian Healing Centre in Sussex and establishing a prayer fellowship group at Andover Nursing Home with his wife.

Test Valley Borough Council leader Councillor Phil North said the council was saddened to hear of Bryan’s passing on 25 January.

Cllr North said: “Bryan was a Test Valley borough councillor from 1973 to 1987, and mayor in 1986/87. Such bare facts, however, do not do justice to the enormous contribution that Brian and his wife, Diana, made to the borough. 

“His book, ‘Testing Times’, is an eloquent witness to his commitment and energy on behalf of the people of Test Valley. That did not cease when he retired as a councillor, as exemplified by his tireless work with Andover Charity Trustees. 

“His wonderful ‘Churches of Test Valley’ book will forever remind us of his determination, and his ability to succeed despite the odds being stacked against him. We would like to express our sincere condolences to Bryan’s wife, Diana.”

Andover History and Archaeological Society member David Borrett also paid tribute to Bryan.

Mr Borrett said: “The society is much saddened by the news of Bryan’s death and personally I will miss his wise counsel and reassuring presence. He was always ready to assist in any way he could and receptive to all shades of opinion whether or not they accorded with his own. 

“His recent plans to demolish the almshouses in Adelaide Road and replace them with a modern building that would more efficiently cater to the needs of those to whom he was responsible, was controversial in that it required the removal of much-loved historic local buildings. 

“Faced with opposition including mine, he was never perturbed and indeed welcomed the debate. 

“Generously he told me that it was important that everything should be aired in order that the right decision is eventually made. 

“It was the mark of the man, one of Andover’s gentlemen and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”

A public memorial service is taking place on 8 May at 2pm at St Mary’s Church. 

All are welcome to attend.