THE funeral takes place on Monday, June 19, of well-known and respected farmer Fredrick William George (Bill) Brooks, who died on Friday, June 2, at the age of 85.

The funeral will take place at St Pancras Church, Widecombe-in-the Moor, at 2pm.

Bill leaves behind his wife Rebecca, sister Lizzy, three daughters, three step-daughters, six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

He farmed for much of his life at Middle Green Farm on the outskirts of Wellington and lived latterly at Colehayes Park, Devon.

He doubled the size of his farm at Middle Green, growing corn and rearing cattle, sheep and his beloved saddle back pigs.

He was the third generation to farm at Middle Green and was a Taunton Deane borough councillor and a long-standing Wellington Without parish chairman.

He campaigned for the building of the A38 Wellington bypass and Wellesley Park Primary School, and was a member of the parliamentary committee of the local National Farmers’ Union.

He was also vice-chairman of the Sampford branch of Taunton Conservative Association and was on the board of governors at several local schools.

He was a trustee and founder member of Wellington Arts Association and a supporter of Broadhembury Motor Club.

He moved in his later years to Colehayes Park, near Bovey Tracey, with his wife and set up an events and study centre.

n A bench will be dedicated to Bill’s memory on the footpath leading to The Monument by Wellington Without Parish Council.