Tributes paid to former Wiltshire newsagent Ray Pope

Lifelong Alton Barnes resident William Pope, known to many as Ray, died on the weekend of Saturday, October 7, following a lengthy battle with dementia.

Ray, 93, was best known in the area for running the local newsagent which he took over from his father.

His family have paid tribute to him and told this paper he was a valued member of the community who will be remembered fondly by all.

Ray’s daughter Heather Flower said: “He was very much a country boy, and he was a real character.

“Everybody loved him, and I would say that because he’s my dad, but I’ve had so many responses from people because he was well-loved and a big character.

“He was a lovely, special, kind man without a bad bone in his body.”

Ray and Marie Pope celebrating their Platinum Wedding Anniversary (Image: Heather Flower)In 1953 Ray married Marie, who lived in a neighbouring village, and the pair remained together for the rest of his life.

They celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary in a joyous occasion for the whole family at the Coombe End Court Care Home in August.

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With the exception of a brief stint carrying out his national service aged 19, Ray spent much of his professional life working in and running his family’s businesses.

This included hand delivering newspapers, including the Wiltshire Gazette and Herald, to villagers alongside Marie.

During harsh winters the pair would use a sledge to brave the snow and make their deliveries.

After these morning shifts, Ray would travel to Devizes where he worked as a handyman for Wiltshire Council.

But Ray was also described as having “many strings to his bow” and had a love of both poetry and history.

Ray and Marie Pope delivering newspapers by sledge in the harsh winter of 1983 (Image: Heather Flower)“He was a very keen poet”, added Heather. “He wrote lots and lots of poems which he delivered to everybody he knew.

“He became nicknamed the bard of Alton because of that so he was notorious for his poems.”

His enthusiasm for history led him to set up a small “photo museum” at the side of his house which remains open to the local community.

This was just one example of his community spirit, which also saw him put on plays at the village hall.

Ray leaves behind Marie and Heather as well as another daughter Dawn, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

His funeral will be held at St Mary’s Church in Alton Barnes on October 27.