Tributes have been paid former Journal columnist Bill Telfer, who died on Sunday at the age of 94.
Mr Telfer, who lived almost all of his life at Mainsbank Farm in Stamfordham, Northumberland, was described by his daughters Ruth and Fred as straightforward, honest, loyal and funny. A former dairy farmer, he was also a columnist in The Journal for 13 years and chairman and president of the Holstein Society.
In that latter role, Mr Telfer's herd of dairy cows was the only one in Northumberland to win the national dairy herds (all breeds) competition and the smallest to be awarded with master breeder status. However, it was for his work at The Journal for which he was most widely known.
Initially a reluctant journalist who was persuaded into writing a "couple of columns" while then agricultural editor David Leach searched for a full-time farming columnist, Mr Telfer's column became extremely popular and he stayed on for more than a decade. The letters of appreciation he received inspired him to write a book Just Waffle, The Ramblings Of A Geriatric Peasant, which is filled with anecdotes and amusing tales about rural life.
His daughter Fred Robertson said: "He was a man of deep faith and a great countryman. He was a village man but he was also a very worldly, well-read and widely travelled man. We grew up always being told the names of wildflowers, birds and what to look for and when."
Mr Telfer's garden was another one of his passions, with him showing sweet peas, roses, leeks and vegetables at competitions. Daughter Ruth Foley said: "He was a great gardener and his garden is full of vegetables still. He was still out there seven weeks ago and he supplied half the countryside with tomatoes and cucumbers and fresh vegetables."
Alongside his passions of farming and gardening, he was the president of Stamfordham Cricket Club for 67 years, though his involvement in the club goes back even further than 1955.
A tribute on the club's Facebook page read: "It is with heartfelt sadness that we share the news that our incomparable club president Bill Telfer has passed after a short illness. This post simply cannot do the justice to the contribution Bill has made to our club and Stamfordham over an astonishing period of time.
"Bill had an incredible influence on so many at the club over a number of generations. 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 & 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."
Mr Telfer leaves behind three children: Bill, Ruth and Fred, as well as nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. A service of remembrance will be held on August 5 at 2pm at St Mary's Church in Stamfordham.
