TRIBUTES have been paid to a dairy farmer, writer, sportsman, champion pigeon fancier and gardener after his death aged 94.

Bill Telfer, of Stamfordham, died on Sunday after a short illness.

A village man through and through, Bill’s influence will be felt for years to come for he helped to plant the trees on the green.

“He was a great man”, said daughters Ruth and Fred. “He was a country man but he was very very well read. He had a great sense of humour, and he was very well travelled and very knowledgeable.

“For a man that lived in the same village all his life, he had such wide horizons, and he was so broadminded and open to new ideas.

“He never ever did what was expected of him, but he was also immensely reliable and a great servant to the community. In the village, he was the go-to man if anybody wanted to know anything.”

Bill was married to Margaret, who died 25 years ago, and the couple had daughters Ruth and Fred and son Bill. Bill senior had nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. His brother, who died just two years ago, farmed only a mile away.

A regular churchgoer, Bill also wrote books including a guide to showing dairy cattle and Just Waffle: The Ramblings of Geriatric Peasant. He was the Journal farming columnist for more than 10 years.

His love for cattle would see him take the role of Holstein Society chairman and president and his was the only Northumberland herd to win the National Dairy Herds Competition. His was also the smallest herd to be awarded master breeder status. He was one of the first farmers to bring Canadian Holsteins to Britain.

A keen sportsman, Bill’s involvement with Stamfordham Cricket Club spanned 80 years. He was club president but also a former player, captain, secretary, and treasurer.

"Bill had an incredible influence on so many at the club over a number of generations", the club said. "The ultimate gentleman, respected immensely by all who met him and leaves a huge legacy that we will do our best to follow.

"His name sits proudly and rightly on our home and ensures his contribution will be remembered fondly far beyond these sad days.

"Bill has held office at the club formally since 1955, but that will only tell a fraction of the story.

"We were so fortunate to have Bill speak at our club dinner in February as he shared his thoughts on sport, life and friendship. As was often the case when he spoke, you could hear a pin drop as everyone held on every word.

"We were so lucky to know you, Bill. Our thoughts are with the Telfer family. Rest in peace."

Bill was also involved with the local football club, village hall and playing fields committee and drama group.

A service of remembrance for Bill will be held on August 5 at St Mary’s Church, Stamfordham, from 2pm.