Tributes paid to"hardworking" and enthusiastic" Market Drayton man

Ian Wallace, of Market Drayton, has been praised for his hard work and enthusiasm.

Mr Wallace, who was in his 80s when he died last month, was a member of the Men in Sheds in Shropshire group, Market Drayton Rotary Club and the Market Drayton Senior Citizens Forum.

Friend Dennis Wright said: "Many will know of initiatives and activities in our community developed over the past two to three years both to counteract the cuts imposed upon us and also develop new ways through which the health and well being of the elderly could be enhanced.

"Ian took up the challenge head on, leading the development of the Market Drayton Good Neighbours Scheme and the Market Drayton Seniors Enterprise, being there at the inception of both and chairing them ever since.

"I know he was very proud of what these two groups have achieved. These commitments were in addition to chairing the Men in Sheds in Shropshire group and being an active member of Market Drayton Rotary Club and the Market Drayton Senior Citizens Forum.

"I had the good fortune to work with Ian in both the seniors’ enterprise and the good neighbours schemes. He always took responsibility, volunteering to lead the groups.

"He brought with him knowledge and business acumen from his previous industrial and community work in Aberdeen. His commitment and consistency never seemed to waiver.

"Driven, you may think. Possibly, but he was always thoughtful, interested in others and their ideas and a gentleman with a touch of mischievousness in his sense of humour."

David Clarke, of University Centre Shrewsbury, also paid tribute to Mr Wallace.

Mr Wright said: I"n what context would David have known Ian? It was in the development of a European project on which Ian and the members of the Market Drayton Seniors’ Enterprise group were working.

"The project looks to share ideas and practice across the EU in the ways in which community initiatives are being developed by seniors to lessen the impact of national austerity and government cuts."

Mr Clarke said: "His experience and enthusiasm were obvious and his loss will be felt across the whole community that he served with such dedication.”